Satellite aims for blast-off in IoT
This report is available to those subscribed to the IoT & Enterprise or Fixed, TV and Convergence modules.
For many years, L-Band satellite transmissions have serviced a range of verticals, including logistics, agriculture, and aerospace. Pricing has remained prohibitively expensive, which has inhibited the widespread use of satellite technology. The playing field is now changing though, following the recent regulatory approval of low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations from SpaceX and OneWeb, along with the entrance of Amazon as a competitor. These lower-altitude, higher-density networks will achieve faster speeds and lower latencies. Costs to end users will be structurally lower than existing tariffs, helped by several supply-side innovations: smaller form factors, automated production lines and vertical integration efficiencies (SpaceX, for example, owns the rockets to launch its satellites).
Related research
Satellite and NTN tracker, Q1 2025
Direct to cell continues to be the main attraction for operators due to the monetisation opportunities from an extended coverage footprint. IoT is an interesting storyline in 2025 given that the latest standards (Release 19) incorporate new functionality for non-terrestrial network services geared at IoT applications such as sensors, telematics and energy monitoring.
Powering lift-off for drones: benchmarking spectrum and readiness for UAVs
Commercial drone deployment at scale would allow drones to seamlessly integrate into our daily activities and transform various industries, adding economic growth. However, achieving this requires a supportive regulatory framework. GSMA Intelligence assessed drone regulatory readiness and spectrum availability across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. The readiness level of each country varies based on several indicators, including the availability of licensed mobile spectrum. The realisation of the drone opportunity will depend on the ability of countries to enable a supportive regulatory environment.
Satellite and NTN tracker, Q4 2024
In the last three months, eight more operators moved into the satellite space, taking the total to almost 100. This report tracks data and developments from telcos and satellite companies in pursuit of monetisation in the consumer, B2B and government sectors.
Authors
How to access this report
Annual subscription: Subscribe to our research modules for comprehensive access to more than 200 reports per year.
Enquire about subscriptionContact our research team
Get in touch with us to find out more about our research topics and analysis.
Contact our research teamMedia
To cite our research, please see our citation policy in our Terms of Use, or contact our Media team for more information.
Learn moreRelated research
Satellite and NTN tracker, Q1 2025
Direct to cell continues to be the main attraction for operators due to the monetisation opportunities from an extended coverage footprint. IoT is an interesting storyline in 2025 given that the latest standards (Release 19) incorporate new functionality for non-terrestrial network services geared at IoT applications such as sensors, telematics and energy monitoring.
Powering lift-off for drones: benchmarking spectrum and readiness for UAVs
Commercial drone deployment at scale would allow drones to seamlessly integrate into our daily activities and transform various industries, adding economic growth. However, achieving this requires a supportive regulatory framework. GSMA Intelligence assessed drone regulatory readiness and spectrum availability across 13 countries in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. The readiness level of each country varies based on several indicators, including the availability of licensed mobile spectrum. The realisation of the drone opportunity will depend on the ability of countries to enable a supportive regulatory environment.
Satellite and NTN tracker, Q4 2024
In the last three months, eight more operators moved into the satellite space, taking the total to almost 100. This report tracks data and developments from telcos and satellite companies in pursuit of monetisation in the consumer, B2B and government sectors.
- 200 reports a year
- 50 million data points
- Over 350 metrics