Satellite Telecommunication Market Assessment, By Component [Hardware, Software, Services], By Frequency Band [C-band, Ku-band, Ka-band, Others], By Application [Maritime and Aviation, Military & Defense, IoT and M2M Connectivity, Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring, Others], By End-user [IT & Telecom, Automotive & Transportation, Media & Entertainment, Energy & Utilities, Oil and Gas, Others], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2016-2030F
Global Satellite Telecommunication Market size was valued at USD 69 billion in 2022, which is expected to reach USD 161 billion in 2030 with a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecasted period between 2023 and 2030.
The Global Satellite Telecommunication Market is a substantial and dynamic industry with widespread applications across various sectors. It encompasses using satellites for communication, data transmission, broadcasting, and connectivity services on a global scale. The market has been experiencing steady growth due to increasing demand for reliable and efficient communication and connectivity services across various industries and regions. Advancements in satellite technology, mega-constellations, and the proliferation of satellite-based applications have contributed to market expansion.
North America has a high demand for satellite communication services, driven by various sectors, including government & military, broadcasting & media, maritime & aviation, enterprise, and consumer broadband. Some of the largest satellite mega-constellations, such as SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb, are being deployed by North American companies. These constellations aim to provide global broadband internet coverage and are expected to impact the market significantly.
As reported by the ITU's Measuring Digital Development, the utilization of international bandwidth experienced rapid expansion in 2021-22, registering a speedy growth of approximately 30% to reach 932 terabits per second. Alongside, advancements are being witnessed in the satellite communication (satcom) sector, with the emergence of ultra-high throughput satellite (UHTS) technology and the development of Earth stations in motion (ESIM) solutions, reflecting the evolving landscape of the industry.
Expansion of Satellite Mega-Constellations and Broadband Connectivity
The proliferation of digital services, IoT devices, and data-intensive applications has led to a surge in the need for high-speed broadband connectivity, especially in remote and underserved areas where terrestrial networks may be limited or unavailable. Companies like SpaceX (Starlink), OneWeb, and Amazon (Project Kuiper) are deploying prominent constellations of low earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide global broadband internet coverage. These mega-constellations promise to enhance connectivity and accessibility across the globe significantly.
For instance, in January 2023, SpaceX successfully launched a potent Indonesian communications satellite, SATRIA, which serves as the linchpin in a USD 550 million initiative. The primary goal of this project is to extend high-speed internet access to various institutions, including schools, medical centers, public facilities, and government buildings all over the island nation. The SATRIA project represents a collaboration between the Indonesian government and a consortium led by PT Pasifik Satellite Nusantara (PSN), a satellite operator. With its impressive throughput of 150 gigabytes per second, SATRIA will establish connectivity for approximately 94,000 schools, nearly 50,000 village offices, various government establishments, as well as numerous hospitals and medical facilities scattered across the extensive archipelago, which happens to be the world's fourth most populous country.
Rapid Adoption of IoT Solutions Influencing the Demand Curve of the Market
The rapid adoption of IoT significantly influences the demand in the global satellite telecommunication market. As IoT applications continue to increase across industries, reliable and widespread connectivity becomes paramount, especially in remote and hard-to-reach areas where traditional communication infrastructure is lacking. IoT-enabled sensors and devices are crucial in disaster management, environmental monitoring, and remote sensing.
Satellites enable continuous data collection and communication for such applications, aiding in early warning systems and emergency response, which will further scatter demand for communication satellites. For instance, in November 2022, Sateliot, the U.S. based first nanosatellite telecommunications company, offered 5G connectivity worldwide with the launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets. Sateliot's 5G satellite network solves the connectivity issue by enabling anyone with an intelligent standard IoT device to contact their space network and receive a strong, clear cellular signal. Marine researchers can now monitor diminishing populations, such as blue whales, more affordably and successfully, aiding in preserving these endangered species.
Maritime and Aviation Sector Dominates SATCOM Market
Adopting new satellite communication technologies and increasing utilization of IoT in the aviation industry for applications like aircraft connectivity, airline services, air traffic control, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities are expected to be significant drivers.
Moreover, the growing reliance on satellite communications in military operations is set to boost the market growth further worldwide. In collaboration with government entities, military applications are predicted to emerge as the critical growth vertical in this market. The defense industry's rising demand for SATCOM systems has prompted commercial firms to accelerate the development of smart hardware and services. This integration of satellite communications in military and defense communication will likely become a considerable driving force behind the market's growth throughout the forecast period.
For instance, in June 2023, OneWeb, the global low Earth orbit (LEO) communications network, introduced its ""Try Before You Buy"" maritime service. This new offering allows maritime users to make bookings and experience the advantages of OneWeb's high-speed enterprise-grade flexible connectivity packages at sea, providing speeds exceeding 100mbps. With the successful deployment of 634 operational satellites in its constellation, OneWeb's network is now complete and fully operational up to 35 degrees latitude.
Antenna Segment Holds Highest Market Share in Global SATCOM Market
The SATCOM market segment comprises receivers, transmitters/transponders, transceivers, amplifiers, converters, antennas, and other elements. In contrast, the antenna segment holds the highest share in 2022 and the transceiver segment is projected to experience the highest growth rate from 2023 to 2030. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of advanced transceiver systems replacing traditional transmitters and receivers.
For instance, in June 2023, Kymeta, a renowned flat panel satellite antenna company, and OneWeb, a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, jointly announced the commercial availability of Kymeta's Peregrine u8 LEO terminal. This milestone marks the world's first flat panel antenna to cater to the maritime market on OneWeb's LEO network.
Impact of COVID-19
Since the beginning of the pandemic, satellite operators providing broadband connectivity directly to consumers have experienced a significant rise in data traffic across Europe and the Americas, with an increase of 15-70%, depending on the country. Additionally, there has been a surge in subscriptions in the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In response, satellite operators have taken dedicated actions, such as prioritizing educational and business collaboration applications and making Wi-Fi hotspots accessible to those in need.
Despite many people working in urban areas, a considerable population resides outside cities and even on islands, all of whom require reliable connectivity to continue working, attend online classes, and stay connected with their loved ones. To address this need, satellite operators actively support Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to extend connectivity to suburban and rural regions. Consequently, satellite capacity has increased from 10% on islands to 50% in rural areas during the lockdown period.
Impact of Russia-Ukraine War
Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, has declined to launch over 30 satellites for OneWeb due to the UK's sanctions against Russia following its invasion. The UK had provided partial financial support to assist OneWeb's recovery from bankruptcy. In response, Russia insists that the UK divest its stake in OneWeb. OneWeb is among a few companies aiming to establish a global network of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to offer Internet services.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The Global Satellite Telecommunication Market is exceptionally competitive and remains highly concentrated today. Market participants in the IoT market are attempting to increase their market share through various business methods such as collaborations, agreements, acquisitions, and mergers of multiple players across the value chain. Additionally, companies are paying close attention to item quality and efficient service giving, and they are constantly developing new products to meet client demand.
In June 2022, SES successfully deployed the SES-22 satellite into space using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This satellite, manufactured by Thales Alenia Space, is specifically designed to liberate the lower 300 MHz of the C-band spectrum. Positioned in the orbital slot at 135 degrees West, delivers television and radio services to numerous American households and offers essential data transmission services.