Satellite and NTN tracker, Q3 2024

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Telco-satellite convergence has become an industry-wide movement rather than the niche strategy it used to be. 91 individual telecoms operators now have signed partnerships with satellite companies to provide services through distribution agreements. This is a market shift from the telco perspective, with satellite increasingly viewed as a pragmatic means of network extension and access to revenue streams – both consumer and B2B/IoT – not otherwise economically feasible. In aggregate, the partnerships cover a mobile subscriber base of around 5 billion people, equivalent to 61% of global market share, and cover backhaul and direct-to-device service. 45% of the live or planned services from telcos involve direct-to-cell capabilities (the other 55% provide backhaul to mobile base stations).
This report tracks data and developments from telcos and satellite companies in pursuit of monetisation in the consumer, B2B and government sectors.
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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.
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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.
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