Mobile Satellite Services Market Forecasts to 2030 - Global Analysis By Service Type, Frequency Band, Technology, Application and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Mobile Satellite Services Market is accounted for $5.68 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $8.72 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period. Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) refer to communication services provided through satellites to mobile users, offering voice, data, and broadband services to remote or underserved areas. MSS enables connectivity where terrestrial networks are unavailable, such as in rural, oceanic, or disaster-stricken regions. It uses satellite constellations to offer reliable communication links, allowing users to make calls, send messages, and access the internet, even in isolated locations or during critical situations.

According to estimates from NASA and the European Space Agency, there are over 150 million objects orbiting between low Earth orbit (LEO) and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO), weighing more than 5,000 tons in total.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing demand for connectivity in remote areas

As traditional terrestrial networks struggle to provide reliable coverage in rural, mountainous, and isolated regions, MSS offers a vital alternative for voice, data, and broadband services. MSS enables real-time data transfer, remote monitoring, and communication, thus supporting economic activities, disaster management, and rural development. The expanding global demand for mobile connectivity in these underserved areas continues to fuel MSS market growth.

Restraint:

High infrastructure and operational costs

High infrastructure and operational costs in MSS arise from the expensive nature of satellite launches, ground equipment, and maintenance. Additionally, the ongoing operational costs, such as fuel, monitoring, and repairing satellites, contribute to the financial burden. These high costs may limit market expansion, especially in regions with budget constraints or in sectors that are not willing to invest heavily in satellite-based communication, thereby slowing overall market growth.

Opportunity:

Increased use in emergency and disaster management

During natural disasters or crises, traditional communication networks often fail, making MSS essential for maintaining connectivity. MSS enables first responders, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations to coordinate efforts, share real-time data, and provide emergency communications when terrestrial infrastructure is compromised. The ability of MSS to offer reliable communication in remote or disaster-stricken areas, ensures timely rescue operations and effective disaster management, further expanding its demand and adoption across regions prone to natural calamities.

Threat:

Competition from terrestrial networks

Terrestrial networks like 4G, 5G, and fiber optic connections provide high-speed, low-latency services with widespread coverage and lower operational costs compared to satellite-based solutions. These networks are often more scalable and easier to maintain, making them more attractive for consumers and businesses. As a result, the reliance on MSS for communication in urban or densely populated areas diminishes, limiting its market share and growth potential in those regions.

Covid-19 Impact

The covid-19 pandemic had a mixed impact on the mobile satellite services market. While demand for MSS services increased in sectors like healthcare, emergency response, and remote work, global disruptions and supply chain challenges affected satellite launches and infrastructure development. The rise in remote communication and reliance on satellite networks in underserved regions boosted the market. However, economic uncertainties led to cautious investments, slightly slowing growth in some commercial sectors.

The tracking & monitoring services segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The tracking & monitoring services segment is predicted to secure the largest market share throughout the forecast period. MSS enables real-time tracking of vehicles, assets, and personnel, even in remote or challenging environments where terrestrial networks are unavailable. Satellite technology ensures continuous monitoring, providing crucial data for operational efficiency, security, and situational awareness. These services are essential for improving supply chain visibility, preventing theft, optimizing routes, and ensuring the safety of personnel and assets across vast geographies.

The healthcare segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

The healthcare segment is anticipated to witness the highest CAGR during the forecast period. MSS play a crucial role in healthcare applications by providing reliable communication in remote or underserved areas. In rural or disaster-stricken regions, where traditional networks are unavailable, MSS enables telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and emergency medical response. Healthcare professionals can communicate with specialists, share patient data, and access critical information in real-time, improving decision-making and care delivery.

Region with largest share:

Asia Pacific is expected to register the largest market share during the forecast period driven by increasing demand for reliable communication in remote and underserved areas. Countries like India, China, Japan, and Australia are major contributors, with MSS supporting sectors such as maritime, defense, aviation, and emergency response. The region's vast geography, including islands and mountainous terrain, fuels the need for satellite-based connectivity. Additionally, rising adoption of mobile devices and internet penetration in rural areas is further propelling MSS adoption.

Region with highest CAGR:

North America is projected to witness the highest CAGR over the forecast period driven by the growing demand for reliable connectivity in remote, rural, and disaster-prone areas. The U.S. and Canada are key markets, where MSS is widely used in sectors such as defense, aviation, maritime, and oil and gas. The region's robust infrastructure, combined with advancements in satellite technology, supports efficient communication. Additionally, the increasing need for mobile connectivity in areas without terrestrial coverage, along with expanding IoT solutions, is accelerating market growth in North America.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Mobile Satellite Services Market include L3 Technologies, Eutelsat Communications, Thuraya Telecommunications Company, EchoStar Corporation, Inmarsat, Iridium Communications Inc., Globalstar, Viasat, SES S.A., OneWeb, Marlink, Hughes Network Systems, OverHorizon, Avanti Communications Group, SKY Perfect JSAT Corporation and AST SpaceMobile.

Key Developments:

In September 2024, AST SpaceMobile launched the first five of its BlueBird satellites. These satellites feature large commercial communication arrays designed to provide cellular broadband services to standard smartphones. This system is expected to offer nationwide coverage across the U.S. and select international markets, enabling up to 120 Mbps data transmission speeds.

In August 2024, OneWeb successfully launched a new set of satellites aimed at expanding its mobile satellite broadband service globally. These satellites are designed to offer continuous, high-speed connectivity for mobile devices, targeting remote and underserved regions, improving internet access for rural areas.

Service Types Covered:

• Voice Services
• Data Services
• Tracking & Monitoring Services
• Broadcasting Services
• Emergency Services
• Other Service Types

Frequency Bands Covered:

• L-Band
• C-Band
• Ku-Band
• Ka-Band
• Other Frequency Bands

Technologies Covered:

• Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
• Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Applications Covered:

• Government & Military
• Transportation
• Aviation
• Maritime
• Oil & Gas
• Healthcare
• Retail & Consumer Services
• Other Applications

Regions Covered:

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • Italy
  • France
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:

• Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
• Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
• Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
• Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
• Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
• Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
• Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
• Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements

Free Customization Offerings:

All the customers of this report will be entitled to receive one of the following free customization options:

• Company Profiling
  • Comprehensive profiling of additional market players (up to 3)
  • SWOT Analysis of key players (up to 3)
• Regional Segmentation
  • Market estimations, Forecasts and CAGR of any prominent country as per the client's interest (Note: Depends on feasibility check)
• Competitive Benchmarking
  • Benchmarking of key players based on product portfolio, geographical presence, and strategic alliances