Report

Global 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) market is projected to witness a CAGR of 25.40% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 5.10 billion in 2023 to USD 31.19 billion in 2031.
The growing focus on new levels of integration in satellite technology, coupled with the rising demand for connectivity globally, is driving significant momentum in the global 5G NTN market. Major players such as SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon with its Kuiper, or OneWeb are rolling out huge Low Earth Orbit constellations to cover areas that do not have fixed-line internet service. For instance, Starlink has put 3,580 satellites into orbit and is providing typical download speeds between 50 to 100 Mbps in North America. These are high-frequency bands (Ku/Ka) systems, for better throughput and scalability. Increasing applications in IoT and direct-to-cell services compounds with the growth of global communications capability helps a range of industries from agriculture to defense.
For instance, in May 2024, DISH Network L.L.C. and Hughes Network Systems, LLC announced a bundled service, combining DISH satellite TV and HughesNet satellite internet, offering advanced connectivity and entertainment solutions for rural America, enhancing accessibility to quality TV and the internet.
Technological Advancements to Contribute Towards 5G NTN Market Demand
The global 5G NTN market value is increasing owing to technological advancement in applications such as new features in 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 17 and 18 are coming as an upgrade to support IoT devices (eMTC, NB-IoT) and improved synchronization and power-saving capabilities. Further, the deployment of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites by big players such as SpaceX with Starlink and Amazon with Kuiper allow high-speed connectivity while maintaining low latency. Robust service continuity and mobility are supported by innovations such as new NTN bands above 10 GHz and increased coverage in the uplink. With these advancements, the new home in space for this low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation will help bridge the digital divide by providing broadband connectivity to tens of thousands of schools and community centers all over French-speaking countries. Further, IoT applications will benefit from improved connectivity, facilitating video calls between France and Tahiti, ensuring response time within less than 5 minutes for emergency services.
For instance, in May 2024, Rohde & Schwarz was the first to achieve Technical Specification Group RAN Plenary Approval Committee (TPAC) for NTN Narrowband Internet of Things Radio Frequency and Radio Resource Management (NB-IoT RF and RRM) conformance test cases, using R&S TS-RRM and R&S TS8980 test platforms, making them the only company with Global Certification Form approval for all NTN NB-IoT tests.
Increased Demand for Global Connectivity to Fuel the 5G NTN Market Growth
The rising demand for global connectivity is driving significant growth in the global 5G NTN market. 5G NTNs are emerging as a prominent option used to address increasing needs for internet access, accommodating business and end-users, and further accessing remote locations via satellite. Massive Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations are expanding coverage and capacity, bridging gaps where traditional networks can't reach. Technology has advanced to the point that launching satellites is more affordable and satellite hardware is itself cheaper. This growth will benefit consumers and businesses by facilitating services such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, improved communications, and optimized global supply chains. This is leading to a massive change in global connectivity and reach, owing to 5G NTNs.
For instance, in March 2023, Nilesat S.A.E. selects Hughes JUPITER System, a subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation for satellite broadband connectivity in Egypt, enhancing affordable and reliable internet services with the Hughes JUPITER System Gateway and terminals on the Nilesat 301 satellite by Q3 2024.
Government Initiatives Acting as a Catalyst
Globally, governments are encouraging 5G NTN which is fueling the demand for 5G NTN. In the United States, this work is being advanced by efforts to auction high-band spectrum for 5G in addition expanding midband availability and improving low band use through activities such as the federal communications commission's recent One-Touch Make-Ready decision along with its ongoing process reconstituting Mobility Fund II into a 5G fund dedicated to upgrading rural mobile networks. This is mirrored globally with the European Union's support of 5G research and infrastructure through its Horizon Europe program upon entering phase one, and similar efforts made by China in stimulating large-scale satellite constellations along with expansion of other elements regarding a global 5g network. Initiatives such Nissan Motor Co. and Deutsche Telekom are creating opportunities for stakeholders by extending connectivity capabilities to emerging technologies and facilitating international cooperation in the 5G NTN market.
For instance, in November 2023, the Biden-Harris Administration's National Spectrum Strategy was revived to boost the 5G NTN market by enhancing spectrum access, driving technological innovation, and promoting digital equity, ensuring the United States leadership in wireless technologies.
Remote and Isolated Geography Type to Dominate the 5G NTN Market Share
Edge segments are the addressable differentiating business value, leading to 5G NTN market growth where it follows remote/isolated sections satisfying unmet connectivity needs. NTN is difficult to access in areas where there are no traditional networks such as most rural or remote places. Using Low Earth Orbit satellites, particularly for high-latency low-speed coverage (dual-cast bidirectional barebone drive-by-wire control), NTN provides fast, non-blocked, and private-connectivity. This may have a variety of uses from precision agriculture, remote infrastructure monitoring, and disaster response to improve efficiency in all these areas are part Standard Operating Procedure.
For instance, in June 2024, Auden Techno Group unveiled a solution to spread 5G coverage in remote areas, connecting LEO satellite technology with a new 5G NR Open RAN radio unit to enhance private network capabilities.
North America Dominates 5G NTN Market Share
Global investment into satellite communication is crucial for telecom networks to handle the rapidly growing data demand around the world. North America lack of major over-the-top (OTT) media services or companies not traditionally involved in telecommunications operators, continues to support the North America's leading position in 5G NTN. Investments in satellite industry are over-saturating with North American businesses taking most of the share. This financial investment will help fund practical, business-first NTN systems such as mega-constellations and high-speed connectivity solutions. North American organizations are currently leading the way in LEO satellite constellation deployment, with the SpaceX Starlink system being used for wide-area coverage and providing high-speed internet capacity throughout rural or underserved parts of North America.
For instance, in July 2024, Rohde & Schwarz USA Inc., a subsidiary in the United States, launched the R&S SMB100B microwave signal generator, delivering exceptional performance up to 40 GHz. Ideal for 5G NTN applications, it supports accurate testing of components and interference simulation with high output power and low phase noise.
Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)
- 5G NTN will bring high-speed broadband to isolated areas ensuring the digital divide is closed and global connectedness bridges economic development with social inclusion.
- The integration of satellites with terrestrial 5G networks will enable better urban coverage, reliability and connectivity in densely populated cities, and help build smart city infrastructure.
- 5G NTN will directly enable IoT devices, leading to a rise in the use of smart homes, connected vehicles, and industrial automation with low-latency and high-bandwidth connectivity.
- 5G NTN will significantly improve emergency communication systems by delivering real-time data and reliable connections to disaster areas, enhancing efforts on the ground.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The 5G NTN market is driven by some of the key players offering innovative satellite and terrestrial communication solutions. The companies are providing high-performance testing and communication equipment most suitable for NTN application. The market outlook may witness growth with increasing number of companies entering the space which is expected to increase investments and bring new technical developments. The growth will be driven by increased global connectivity, new IoT applications and advances in spectrum management, a trio of trends that place these companies at the forefront as technology continues to move forward.
In September 2023, ZTE Corporation deployed the industry's first 5G NTN system for marine scenarios in Zhoushan, enabling real-time satellite-ground data transmission for marine monitoring and emergency services using Tiantong satellites.