Direct Satellite-to-Device Mobile Services

Satellite-connected phones have until recently been only a niche segment of the global mobile phone market. With Release 17 of the 3GPP standards, satellites are set to become complementary cellular communication technology, in a change that could be transformative to global connectivity. For some people, the benefit will be only marginal, but in a mature telecom market, these developments can be lucrative differentiators. Toward the end of 2022, Apple’s iPhone 14 range launched with the new emergency SOS feature based on satellite connectivity, MediaTek partnered with rugged-device maker Bullitt, and Qualcomm issued a statement of intent to support the technology. However, the industry remains chaotic, with many competing technologies and partnerships. CCS Insight’s latest Spotlight report, Direct Satellite-to-Device Mobile Services, shares unique insight into the market for satellite-connected phones and unpacks its developing dynamics. Shaped by primary interviews with industry leaders across the supply chain, the report’s scope covers opportunities by geography, market forecasts, political limitations and the supplier landscape. Our research also highlights a four-phase road map that we believe will characterize the development of the industry.