Satellite and NTN tracker, Q4 2024
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In the last three months, eight more operators moved into the satellite space, taking the total to almost 100, or 70% by share of the mobile connections base covered. Developments reflect increased orbital capacity from a higher number of satellites in space, and positive sentiment indicators from consumer and enterprise buyers on their likelihood to use satellite (making the business case easier to justify). GSMA Intelligence expects a wave of commercial service launches in 2025 and into 2026.
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.
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Bharti Airtel has trialled and subsequently deployed a new technology for wireless backhaul. The technology, free-space optical communications (FSOC), has been pioneered by Taara - a division of X, the Moonshot Factory of Alphabet. This case-study report explains FSOC, outlines Bharti Airtel's deployment of the technology, and assesses FSOC's viability as an alternative transport solution.
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