Global 5G phone leverages NTN-Mobile to soar in value
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) connectivity into 5G technology, as introduced in 3GPP Release-17, is predicted to life 5G market value to $18 billion in the next eight years.
ABI Research, a global technology intelligence firm, disclosed the NTN-Mobile segment has the potential to reach at least $18 billion market value, with up to 200 million connections by 2031.
Since the release of 3GPP Release-17, the satellite-to-mobile market has gained significant momentum driven by notable product launches and major announcements.
Companies such as Apple, Huawei, ZTE, Qualcomm, Motorola, MediaTek, Bullitt, Globalstar, Inmarsat, and Iridium, among others, have formed partnerships with cellular mobile and satellite industries.
These collaborations have spread to include mobile network operators (MNOs) aiming to expand their coverage.
For instance, T-Mobile, an American MNO, has partnered with satellite operator SpaceX/Starlink to provide satellite-to-mobile connectivity services.
Satellite operators AST SpaceMobile and Lynk have also struck alliances with MNOs such as Vodafone, Rakuten Mobile, AT&T, Bell Canada, MTN Group, Orange, Zain KSA, Saudi Telecom Company (STC), and Telefónica.
“The emergence of satellite-enabled mobile devices from major consumer smartphone manufacturers and chipset makers like Apple, Qualcomm, Motorola, MediaTek, Huawei, and ZTE indicates the upcoming introduction of satellite communications into the mainstream consumer market,” said ABI Research Satellite Communications Analyst Victor Xu.
“While exciting advancements are underway in satellite-to-mobile technology, it is important to note that the recently announced satellite services will initially prioritize low data rate communications through IoT-NTN technology.”
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New possibilities
The Guardian writes satellite communication services have mainly focused on specialised emergency services and messaging with low data rates.
Still, satellite networks are anticipated to eventually incorporate NR-NTN, a 5G-based, more advanced communication standard, in the next few years.
Integrating NR-NTN will increase capacity and network capabilities, enabling more concurrent users and applications with higher data rates. As a result, new possibilities and use cases for satellite connectivity will emerge.
“The NTN Mobile marketspace has a positive outlook, with a projected compound yearly growth rate (CAGR) of 59 per cent from 2024 to 2031,” added ABI Research Satellite Communications Industry Analyst from ABI Research, Andrew Cavalier.
Revenue growth in this sector will be driven primarily by the introduction of NR-NTN satellite services expected in 2026.
Cavalier enthused the potential adoption of NTN satellite services in consumer vehicles for mobile emergencies, messaging, voice, and data communications use would also drive the growth of NTN-Mobile connections.