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Market Overview

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The satellite communication (SATCOM) market is categorized based on revenue generated from different types of satellite communication systems used in industries such as maritime, defense and government, enterprises, and media and entertainment. This analysis is derived from both secondary research and primary sources. The study also examines the key drivers and restraints that impact the market’s growth.

According to forecasts, the Satellite Communication Market is projected to grow from USD 47.25 billion in 2023 to USD 83.71 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.12% during the forecast period (2023-2028).

Satellite communication finds applications in various industries, including media broadcasting, broadband coverage extension, 5G communication systems, integration and convergence of wired and wireless technologies, earth observation, defense and security, and surveillance applications.

The demand for broadband communication remains high and is not limited to specific locations. This includes the need for connectivity on aircraft, ships, and vehicles (including first responders) that operate in fixed or mobile locations. These platforms require continuous connectivity along their travel routes, often passing through underserved areas in major cities and less densely populated regions. Such trends are expected to contribute to the growth of the market.

Advancements in satellite communication technology and the progress of telecommunications and computer processes have opened up new opportunities in innovative sectors. As industrial production facilities and mining operations venture into increasingly remote terrains, the need for efficient wireless interconnection through terrestrial and satellite communications is growing rapidly.

According to the Satellite Industry Association (SIA), revenues from ground equipment have seen significant growth, particularly in the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) markets and network equipment. Customer equipment investment and resources remain flat or slightly declining. This indicates that mobile satellite communication (MOST) will become a fundamental growth point for the overall market.

Cybersecurity has emerged as a major concern for satellite communication due to the sensitivity of transmitting data via satellites. The vulnerabilities exposed to cybersecurity threats include launch systems, communications, telemetry, tracking and command, and mission completion. The over-reliance on secure cyber capabilities throughout a satellite’s lifespan raises serious concerns and hampers its adoption.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial satellite industry played a crucial role. The demand for satellite communication increased as it provided essential voice, data, and broadcast communication solutions, as well as navigation, earth observation, remote sensing, and other unique services for businesses, government customers, and consumers worldwide. Global space agencies like NASA utilized communication satellites to demonstrate the global impact of COVID-19-induced changes.

The market is driven by the increasing adoption of IoT and autonomous systems in various industries. According to Ericsson, the number of massive IoT connections is expected to double, reaching nearly 200 million connections. By the end of 2027, 40% of cellular IoT connections are predicted to be broadband IoT, primarily using 4G technology. The number of short-range and wide-area IoT devices is estimated to reach 22.4 billion and 5.2 billion respectively by the end of 2027.

As organizations embrace IoT, companies around the world are expanding their IoT reach through satellite communication by forming strategic alliances, collaborations, and partnerships. For example, Astrocast and Soracom collaborated to expand customer connectivity options with SatIoT in 2022. Network Innovations partnered with hiSky in the same year to provide affordable satellite solutions for Industrialized Internet of Things (IIoT) applications.

Therefore, the market is expected to experience growth during the forecast period due to increased collaborations driven by the interest in satellite-based IoT connectivity, the expansion of the IoT sector, and the limitations of terrestrial networks in providing coverage.

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Market Segmentation

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The market is segmented based on various factors, including type, end user, and region.

Segmentation by Type
Ground Equipment
Service

Segmentation by End User
Maritime
Defense and Government
Enterprises
Media and Entertainment
Other End-user Verticals

Segmentation by Region
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Middle East and Africa

In terms of Type, the ground equipment segment dominated the market in 2022 with a share of 56.12%. Valued at USD 24.06 Billion in 2022, this segment is projected to reach USD 57.52 Billion by 2028. Moreover, the ground equipment segment is expected to exhibit a higher Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 15.89% during the forecast period (2023-2028). The ground equipment for satellite communication encompasses various electronic systems, including Satellite Gateways, Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) Equipment, Network Operation Center (NOC), and Satellite News Gathering (SNG) Equipment. A satellite gateway, also known as a teleport or hub, serves as a ground station that facilitates the transmission of data between satellites and the local area network. It houses antennas and equipment that convert Radio Frequency (RF) signals to Internet Protocol (IP) signals for terrestrial access. This connection links the satellite to a Local Area Network (LAN). Similar to terrestrial connections, the satellite gateway employs antennas and technology to translate radio frequency signals to IP signals and vice versa. IP, or Internet Protocol, is used for internet access and data transport, and the Voice over IP protocol can also be utilized for voice data transmission.

In terms of End-user vertical, the media and entertainment segment held the largest share of 29.32% in the market in 2022. Valued at USD 12.57 Billion in 2022, this segment is expected to reach USD 24.38 Billion by 2028. The enterprises segment is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 12.92% during the forecast period (2023-2028). Satellites offer a powerful means of distributing communication media. Currently, at least 30 different combinations of media and multimedia can be transmitted through satellites. The term medium refers to the methods of originating, encoding, transmitting, decoding, and displaying messages to receivers. Satellite broadcasting entails the distribution of multimedia content or broadcast signals through a satellite network. These signals typically originate from broadcasting stations like TV or radio stations and are transmitted via a satellite uplink to a geostationary artificial satellite for redistribution or retransmission to predetermined geographic locations via open or secure channels. Direct broadcasting or satellite television has become a significant means of distributing television content. The wide coverage areas and ample bandwidth of satellite television enable the broadcast of numerous channels, making it highly attractive.

In terms of Geography, North America accounted for the largest share of 33.77% in the market in 2022. Valued at USD 14.48 Billion in 2022, this region is expected to reach USD 26.15 Billion by 2028. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to experience a higher CAGR of 13.92% during the forecast period (2023-2028). Government agencies in North America have made significant efforts to introduce new satellite and navigation systems, contributing to the growth of the satellite communication industry. Given the large coastal area, continuous monitoring becomes essential. The region’s increasing commercial activities and trade have propelled the need for maritime safety and surveillance.

The United States boasts the world’s largest military spending, with the Senate Armed Services Committee approving a defense budget for FY2022 that was USD 25 billion higher than the President’s proposal. On December 27, 2021, the National Defense Authorization Act, with a defense budget of USD 740 billion, was signed into law. In January 2022, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology announced a commitment of USD 8 million to 21 organizations across the country to explore solutions addressing Earth observation concerns and sustainable development priorities. The funding will come from the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) smartEarth program, which seeks to encourage Canadian businesses to address challenges using satellite data and contribute to solving real-world problems. The open borders of the US coastal waters make them particularly vulnerable, as they face threats from terrorism, criminal activities, and natural disasters. Enforcing maritime safety becomes challenging due to the multidirectional nature of illegal activities across the country’s maritime borders. These factors are expected to influence the market in the region during the forecast period. Satellite communication services provide secure bandwidth capacity for military operations conducted in remote areas with limited or unstable communications infrastructure. In the coming years, revenue from Fixed Satellite Services (FSS) used in government and military applications is projected to witness significant growth in the North American region.

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Competitive Landscape

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The SATCOM market is characterized by a high degree of fragmentation, with key players including Thales Group, Inmarsat Global Limited, Iridium Communications Inc., Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd, and Orbcomm Inc. These market participants are actively employing strategies such as partnerships, innovations, mergers, and acquisitions to improve their product offerings and establish a sustainable competitive advantage.

Key Companies Profiled in this report include Thales Group, Inmarsat Global Limited, Iridium Communications Inc., Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd, Orbcomm Inc., Cobham SATCOM (Combham Limited), Thuraya Telecommunications Company, ViaSat Inc., ST Engineering iDirect, L3Harris Technologies Inc., Advantech Wireless Technologies Inc. (Baylin Technologies), KVH Industries Inc.

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Recent Industry Developments

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In February 2023, CobhamSatcom and RBC Signals, a global provider of satellite data communication solutions, announced an extended agreement to deploy CobhamSatcom’s adaptable Tracker 6000 and 3700 series ground stations on a global scale. This partnership will significantly expand RBC Signals’ existing ground network, both owned and in partnership, enabling the provision of integrated communication services for NGSO missions and constellations focused on Earth Observation, IoT, and Space Situational Awareness.

In October 2022, Yahsat’s mobility division, Thuraya, and eSATGlobal entered into a complementary commercial deal to establish a Next Generation IoT Platform. As part of this agreement, Yahsat made an investment in eSAT, and Thuraya formed a business partnership with eSAT. This partnership ensures Thuraya’s continuous access to an end-to-end LPWAN IoT system and portfolio, which will operate across Thuraya’s Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) GEO assets. Clients around the world will benefit from access to this comprehensive IoT portfolio.

In December 2022, Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd announced an extension of its strategic relationship with Intelsat through multimillion-dollar agreements aimed at enhancing inflight connectivity (IFC) in the Americas. Upgrades will be made to Gilat hubs already installed in the United States and Brazil to increase network capacity, meeting the growing demand for bandwidth on Intelsat’s IFC network in the Western Hemisphere.

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Key Questions Answered

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What is the duration of the study period for this market analysis?
What is the growth rate of the Global Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Market?
What is the size of the Global Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Market?
Which region exhibits the highest growth rate in the Global Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Market?
Which region holds the largest share in the Global Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Market?
Who are the major players operating in the Global Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Market?