Operator–Satellite Partnerships Reach 275 as D2D Gains Momentum - GSA

Partnerships between mobile operators and satellite providers continue to accelerate, with 275 agreements now announced across 101 countries and territories, according to new data from Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA).

The latest figures highlight how quickly the market is shifting toward Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity. Of the 57 operators with commercial satellite services live, 21 partnerships in 17 countries now support satellite-to-smartphone connectivity, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in the NTN space.

While fixed satellite broadband still accounts for a large share of activity at around 38% of partnerships, its relative weight is declining as D2D gains traction. The data reflects a broader change in focus, with operators increasingly prioritising mobile coverage extension over traditional rural broadband use cases.

Overall, 23 partnerships have progressed to commercial service, with many more in earlier stages. GSA identifies seven initiatives currently in testing or trial phases, alongside 75 planned deployments, pointing to a strong pipeline as operators continue to explore different models.

By contrast, IoT and M2M services remain at an earlier stage, representing just over 8% of partnerships. Slower adoption cycles and longer device lifespans are likely factors, even as standards-based NTN IoT capabilities continue to develop.

The data also suggests operators are taking a multi-partner approach, working with different satellite providers across markets rather than committing to a single platform. As the device ecosystem expands and more services move from trial to commercial launch, this flexibility could become a defining feature of the NTN landscape.

SOURCE: https://gsacom.com/press-release/275-ntn-partnerships/