Global Mobile Satellite Services Market 2024-2031

Global Mobile Satellite Services Market 2024-2031

Mobile Satellite Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Service (Voice, and Data), by Application (Land Mobile, Aviation & Aeronautics, Maritime, and M2M), and by End-User (Defense & Intelligence, Healthcare, Government, Industrial, Enterprise, and Others) Forecast Period (2024-2031)

Mobile satellite services market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period (2024-2031). The global connectivity demand is fueled by remote areas' need for reliable communication, universal service obligations, and IoT and M2M applications. Satellite services provide essential connectivity, real-time monitoring, and disaster recovery. Technological advancements such as high-throughput satellites and low-earth orbit satellites enhance service quality. Regulatory support, strategic partnerships, and private sector investment accelerate market growth.

Market Dynamics

Government and Military Applications

Governments and military organizations increasingly rely on mobile satellite services for secure communication, command, and control, driven by rising defense budgets and evolving national security concerns. According to World Form Day, in April 2024, the space industry is on the edge of a new era, with the space economy projected to reach a value of $1.8 trillion by 2035, as stated in a recent report. Satellite and rocket technologies are becoming more widespread, impacting various sectors including retail, consumer goods, lifestyle, food and beverages, supply chains, transport, and disaster mitigation. Furthermore, space-enabled technologies have already revolutionized everyday life, from weather forecasts to the ever-present smart gadgets like smartwatches.

Demand For Vertical Industries

Vertical industries such as maritime, aviation, energy, and government rely heavily on mobile satellite services for essential communications, driving demand and market expansion for next-generation satellite systems. For instance, in July, Yahsat Group launched its next-generation telecommunications system in H1 2025, costing up to $550 million. The company planned to allocate over $100 million for capital expenditures in the ""T4-NGS"" satellite programme.

Market Segmentation

Based on service, the market is segmented into voice, and data.

Based on application, the market is segmented into land mobile, aviation & aeronautics, maritime, and M2M.

Based on the end-user, the market is segmented into defense & intelligence, healthcare, government, industrial, enterprise, and others (oil & gas (O&G), and media and entertainment).

M2M Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

The affordable satellite connectivity offers M2M applications to various industries, reducing entry barriers and driving adoption across sectors such as agriculture, logistics, and utilities. In July 2023, ORBCOMM introduced the ST 2100, a satellite communications device designed to extend IoT/M2M app coverage beyond cellular coverage. The device offers affordable connectivity, enhanced reliability, asset visibility, and access to new markets. It features a built-in antenna and is designed for quick integration into IoT applications. The ST 2100 offers a smaller footprint, flexible installation configuration, and features an optional supercapacitor for last-gasp messages.

Data Sub-segment to Hold a Considerable Market Share

Satellite services are gaining popularity owing to the ability to provide reliable communication services in remote and rural areas, bridging the gap between terrestrial and satellite networks that propels the market growth. For instance, in January 2024, SpaceX launched six Starlink satellites with direct-to-cell capabilities, providing coverage in remote locations. The satellites, which function as cell towers in space, work with 4G LTE devices and most smartphones. The service is partnered with KDDI, Optus, One NZ, and Rogers, with an open invitation for more providers.

Regional Outlook

The mobile satellite services market is further segmented based on geography including North America (the US, and Canada), Europe (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).

Strategic Partnerships and Investments In Asia-Pacific Region

Satellite operators and terrestrial telecom providers are forming strategic partnerships to expand service offerings and market reach, while private sector investments in satellite technology and infrastructure drive market growth and innovation. For instance, in January 2024, Apple launched an SOS satcom service in India as Globalstar seeks clearance from the Department of Telecommunications for emergency SOS services. It helped companies such as OneWeb and Starlink secure defense contracts and private contracts in remote areas.

North America Holds Major Market Share

The adoption of satellite-based solutions is being driven by the need for connection, particularly in underserved and remote regions, to ensure that no region survives without connection. For instance, in July 2023, 5G Americas released an ""Update on 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks,"" detailing advancements in partnerships and technologies for non-terrestrial network integration with 5G networks. The report examines the growing ecosystem of providers and partnerships between NTN service providers and ground-based cellular providers, highlighting satellite constellations in broadband, Internet services, IoT connectivity, and Direct-to-Cell applications.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies serving the mobile satellite services market include EchoStar Corp., Inmarsat Global Ltd., Iridium Satellite LLC, Globalstar, Inc., and Viasat Inc. among others. The market players are focusing on capitalizing on growth by adopting strategies such as collaboration, partnerships, and market expansion among others. For instance, in May 2024, SES and Intelsat merged in a $3.1 billion, developing a combined fleet of around 100 geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites. This move is aimed at fortifying their position against emerging low-Earth orbit broadband constellations, such as SpaceX's Starlink network, which is gaining popularity owing to low-latency connectivity.

Further, in March 2024, Omnispace and MTN collaborated to expand MTN's wireless service portfolio. The partnership used S-band satellite services, leveraging 3GPP standards, to serve consumer and enterprise IoT services. The companies additionally collaborated on device and software ecosystem development.