Ascend of Satellite Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Market Projected to Reach 175 Million Mobile Connections Worldwide by 2030

September 24, 2023 Thomas Leyk 0 Comments

According to ABI Research’s latest whitepaper, The Ascending Satellite NTN Market, it is predicted that there will be over 175 million NTN mobile connections globally by the year 2030. This significant growth in the adoption of satellite services is fueled by the deployment of satellite constellations for low-latency, high-throughput network applications and the expansion of terrestrial network coverage. These trends are expected to result in an annual revenue of $124.6 billion from satellite services by the end of the decade.

The Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) initiative is playing a crucial role in the SATCOM industry, as satellite operators recognize the market potential created by the convergence of satellite communications and terrestrial cellular networks. This has led to a wave of notable satellite operators seeking to capitalize on this opportunity.

Simultaneously, smartphone manufacturers and chipset makers are demonstrating their enthusiasm for consumer-grade devices that support satellite communications through Narrowband (NB)-NTN, NTN unmodified, and eventually, 5G New Radio (NR)-NTN technologies.

The growing interest in satellite communication services stems from the desire to extend network coverage and bridge the digital divide. Operators are increasingly turning to software-defined satellites and multi-orbit solutions to meet the future connectivity demands.

One of the key factors contributing to this growth is the reduced size of satellites, coupled with a significant decrease in launch costs. SpaceX’s reusable rockets have contributed to a 98% reduction in launch expenses, making it more affordable to deploy satellites into orbit. Additionally, the standardization of satellite bus and payload design has improved economies of scale, enabling SatCom services to reach a wider audience and driving further market developments.

Overall, the ascending satellite NTN market is poised for substantial growth, with millions of mobile connections projected worldwide by 2030. The convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks, along with advances in technology and cost reductions, is paving the way for a more connected future.

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