Worldwide Satellite Direct-to-Cellular Revenue Forecast, 2025–2029

This IDC study analyzes the worldwide satellite direct-to-cellular revenue market outlook for 2025–2029. In this study, IDC has calculated revenue for D2C services at the retail level. This includes all retail revenue from satellite operator D2C services and those that will launch during the forecast period. In addition, it encompasses the imputed value of D2C services within integrated plans in which D2C services are not charged separately. (See the Methodology section for full details.) Revenue from standalone direct-to-cellular services is expected to emerge in North America and the Australia and Asia/Pacific regions. In many of these markets, IDC believes that D2C service will be included as a benefit in existing premium cellular service plans. As the forecast period progresses, D2C service availability will expand to additional markets, which may see D2C service offered through separate plans."The worldwide satellite D2C market is poised for rapid expansion, driven by the extension of services to a broader base of mobile phones. This growth will be a significant enhancement to existing infrastructure, particularly valuable in emergency situations in which terrestrial cellular service is unavailable," says Simon Baker, senior research director, Mobile Devices at IDC. "Emerging D2C satellite systems will leverage terrestrial cellular frequencies, necessitating partnerships with telecom service providers. Initial revenue from D2C services will be in North America and Australasia, likely integrated into premium cellular plans. As the market evolves, these services will expand globally, potentially offered through separate plans," says Peter Chahal, research director for Telecommunications at IDC.