There is growing excitement in the telecommunications sector as the Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) sheds light on the advancements in non-terrestrial networks (NTN). According to their latest report, 275 operator-satellite partnerships are operational across 101 countries and territories. The NTN ecosystem is witnessing an expansion and diversification in services offered.
Commercial offerings have been launched by 57 operators in 35 countries, including 21 partnerships delivering satellite-to-smartphone services, also known as direct-to-device (D2D). This innovation is quickly becoming a key driver in the NTN space, accelerating the overall market momentum.
Interestingly, 5G NTN is heavily relied upon to provide broadband internet, especially in rural and isolated areas. Though it represents a significant share of 38% of all partnerships, there’s a noted decline from a previous 45% due to the surge in satellite-to-smartphone services.
Progress in this field seems rapid, with GSA documenting 23 partnerships that have already launched services. Additionally, two new partnerships were introduced between February and April of 2026. Despite this, IoT and M2M technologies remain sluggish, accounting for just 8.3% of recognized satellite initiatives. This slow pace is attributed to the lengthy replacement cycles inherent to IoT technologies.
Joe Barrett, President of the GSA, shared insights into operators adopting multivendor approaches for satellite-to-phone services. This evolving device ecosystem is expected to drive more satellite collaborations soon. He explains, “The need for operators to cater to people in rural areas and during natural disasters when terrestrial networks might falter will enhance interest in satellite partnerships.”
The report indicates continued growth and increased importance of satellite partnerships, given current trends. The telecommunications landscape may soon see an array of expanded and innovative services thanks to these developments.
