Mobile Satellite Services Companies

Competitive Landscape of Mobile Satellite Services Market

The global mobile satellite services (MSS) market is expected to witness significant growth in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for connectivity in remote areas, growing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and expanding maritime and aviation sectors. This has resulted in a dynamic and competitive landscape, with established players vying for market share alongside new entrants seeking to disrupt the market with innovative technologies and solutions.

Key Players:

• Iridium Communications Inc. (U.S.)


• Thuraya Telecommunications Company (UAE)


• Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (Sweden)


• Tesacom (Argentina)


• EchoStar Corporation (U.S.)


• Inmarsat Limited (U.K.)


• Intelsat (U.S.)


• LOBALSTAR (U.S.)


• ViaSat Inc. (U.S.)


• Telstra (Australia)


• ORBCOMM (U.S.)

Strategies Adopted:

Key players are adopting various strategies to maintain their competitive edge, including:

• Geographic Expansion: Targeting emerging markets with high growth potential, particularly in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Africa.


• Technology Innovation: Investing in research and development of next-generation satellite technologies, such as low-earth orbit (LEO) constellations, to offer higher bandwidth and lower latency services.


• Service Diversification: Expanding service offerings beyond traditional voice and data services to include value-added services like asset tracking, remote monitoring, and managed network services.


• Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with terrestrial network operators and other industry players to offer integrated solutions and expand their reach.


• Mergers and Acquisitions: Consolidating market positions through mergers and acquisitions to gain access to new technologies, resources, and customer bases.

Factors for Market Share Analysis:

• Market Coverage: Geographic reach of the service provider's network and the number of satellites in its constellation.


• Service Portfolio: Breadth and depth of services offered, including voice, data, internet access, and value-added services.


• Technology Leadership: Investment in research and development of new technologies and the ability to offer advanced features and functionalities.


• Customer Base: Size and diversity of the customer base, including government agencies, maritime and aviation companies, and commercial enterprises.


• Financial Performance: Revenue, profitability, and market share of the service provider.

New and Emerging Companies:

Several new companies are entering the MSS market with innovative technologies and business models, posing a challenge to established players. Examples include:

• OneWeb: A LEO constellation project led by Airbus and Bharti Enterprises, aiming to offer high-speed internet access globally.


• Starlink: SpaceX's LEO constellation project providing internet access and voice services, particularly in underserved areas.


• Astranis: Developer of microsatellites designed for low-cost, high-throughput satellite communication services.


• Skylo Technologies: Offering low-cost satellite-based IoT connectivity services for remote asset tracking and monitoring.

Current Company Investment Trends:

• Focus on LEO constellations: Several companies are investing heavily in LEO constellations to offer high-throughput, low-latency connectivity for diverse applications.


• Integration with terrestrial networks: MSS providers are increasingly integrating their services with terrestrial networks to offer seamless connectivity across different environments.


• Development of IoT-specific solutions: Companies are developing specialized solutions for the growing market of IoT applications in areas like agriculture, logistics, and environmental monitoring.


• Focus on affordability and accessibility: Companies are aiming to make MSS services more affordable and accessible for a wider range of customers, including individual consumers.

Latest Company Updates:

October 2023- SpaceX’s Starlink is all set to take the satellite communication into the succeeding level with its new revelation about introducing Direct to Cell satellite-based SMS services in the upcoming year. It is crucial to learn that the roll-out in the initial phase will only cater to the SMS services. By 2025 however the company plans in infusing data, IoT features, and voice into the mix. Direct to Cell once fully operational aspires in becoming a one-stop connectivity solution, thereby ensuring seamless internet browsing, call, and texting. No matter one is sailing coastal waters, drifting on the lake or are on the mountain peak, T-Mobile and Starlink promises ubiquitous access to browsing, calling, and texting. T Mobile deepening their alliance will dedicate a part of its 5g spectrum to the next generation satellites of Starlink. This way T Mobile users can take pleasure of an access to an expansive satellite network, ensuring near-complete coverage all through the US.

June 2023- Spark, a leading telco in New Zealand has revealed its plans of introducing satellite to mobile solutions for its customers. This service will be offered in association with Lynk Global. This is likely to undergo a trial phase via year end, enabling selected group of the Spark mobile customers in taking part in the free trial. The company said further details comprising timelines and eligibility criteria will be revealed in the upcoming months. Its ultimate objective is in offering data services and voice to clients once these become reliably accessible. Via leveraging satellite connectivity, the company aims in extending its reach of network  to places which are underserved currently via traditional mobile coverage.