With these developments, operators can unlock greater potential through network slicing, 5G reduced capability (RedCap) and voice over New Radio (VoNR). Meanwhile, devices and chipsets continue to play a crucial role in the development of 5G, with the ecosystem of compatible devices expanding from the most-premium smartphones to drones, outdoor customer premises equipment (CPE), modules and asset trackers.

Join the GSA Research team to access the latest market data on the status of:

• 5G networks deploying 5G non-standalone and 5G SS
• 5G-Advanced network launches
• 5G RedCap, VoNR and network slicing
• Commercially available 5G devices, including form factors, chipsets and spectrum support
• 5G Private Mobile Networks
• 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN)

All of the detail behind this data shared in this webinar is available exclusively to GSA Members and Associates in GAMBoD, GSA’s suite of databases, covering devices, public networks, private networks, chipsets, spectrum assignments, spectrum pricing and a global database of mobile operator technology and spectrum profiles.

The post 5G networks, spectrum & devices appeared first on GSA.

The January 2026 report highlights the accelerating integration of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite connectivity into the world of cellular communication. There is growing interest in satellite communication, with 225 publicly announced operator–satellite partnerships in 88 countries and territories as of January 2026.

Satellite-to-cellphone services are grabbing the headlines, with 16 partnerships having launched services. Though initial progress was led by Asia and North America, services are now launching in Europe and South America. A further 25 partnerships are trialling the technology with 53 in planning stage, indicating that there will be further launches in 2026 and beyond.

Community and enterprise broadband still accounts for 45% of all partnerships announced between satellite network operators and telecom operators, which is partly due to the technology being more widely available for longer. In contrast, satellite IoT is beginning to gain traction, with companies like Skylo and OQ increasingly playing important roles.

The US has the most satellite vendors, with 15 including companies such as Starlink and AST SpaceMobile. The UK and China both have five constellations. A growing number of countries have a satellite constellation either planned or launched, as recorded in the GSA database, including Australia, India and Spain.

There is a limited number of devices that have satellite compatibility with 3GPP narrowband NTN standards, whilst other devices are modified to work with certain constellations. Furthermore, some direct-to-cellphone constellations rely on IMT spectrum which, theoretically, would work with any 4G or 5G smartphone.

© GSA 2026

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GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

5G NTN February 2026

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Member Annex to accompany the latest 5G-Non-Terrestrial- Networks Report.

The post 5G NTN February 2026 – Annex appeared first on GSA.

GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) today published its most up-to-date report on the global status of Non-Terrestrial 5G Networks and Satellite Connectivity. By August 2025, there were 170 publicly announced operator–satellite partnerships in 80 countries and territories, with 34 operators in 25 markets having launched commercial services. The report also confirms that Starlink leads the provider landscape with 44 partnerships, followed by AST SpaceMobile and Lynk. In spectrum, Ka-band remains the most widely used frequency range, supporting both feeder and service links. L- and S-bands are increasingly important for direct-to-cell applications.

From rural broadband to direct-to-cell, the GSA data confirms satellite connectivity is moving from niche to mainstream. Rural and enterprise broadband remains the dominant application, accounting for half of all partnerships. Satellite-to-cellphone services are expanding quickly, with 12 launches and 24 trials or licensed projects, driven by players like SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk, enabling unmodified smartphones to connect in remote areas.

The latest GSA report Non-Terrestrial 5G Networks and Satellite Connectivity (September 2025) is published today.  A free executive summary is available to all registered users of the GSA website.  GSA Members and Associates can download the exclusive Member-only report and detailed annex of Operators’ satellite partnerships. Non-members can also purchase the report, which includes detailed maps, charts and tables on data such as:

• Partnerships working on satellite-based rural and enterprise broadband services, by status
• Countries and territories with partnerships for satellite-based rural and enterprise broadband, by status
• Partnerships working on satellite-to-cellphone technology, by status
• Countries and territories with satellite-to-cellphone partnerships, by status
• Countries and territories with IoT and M2M partnerships, by status
• Partnerships working on IoT and M2M services based on satellite connectivity, by status
• Publicly announced partnerships by satellite provider
• Number of satellite vendors by country or territory
• Satellite providers’ use of frequency bands
• The 3GPP radio access network road mapSmartphones with Satellite Connectivity

Joe Barrett, President of Global mobile Suppliers Association, commented: “Today there are a limited but growing number of smartphones supporting satellite connectivity. Overall, the findings in the GSA’s latest NTN market report point to an evolving landscape where satellite services are moving from niche to mainstream, with strong growth expected in broadband and direct-to-cell offerings, and slower but steady expansion in IoT applications. From spectrum usage to satellite-operator partnerships, our latest report examines how the satellite connectivity landscape is set to evolve in the rest of 2025 and beyond. And in such a dynamic market, access to this latest data can be critical to business planning and success.”

Full and unlimited access to the detailed data behind this report is available to all employees of GSA Member and GSA Associate organisations subscribing to the GAMBoD database. To understand more about the full benefits of becoming a GSA Associate and the breadth and depth of data in the GSA’s 7 GAMBoD databases, please visit: https://members.gsacom.com

About the data
This report draws on public information collected by the GSA, focusing on the number of announced mobile network operator and satellite provider partnerships; uses; commercial status; geographic availability; and frequency bands being earmarked for non-terrestrial network (NTN) use.

The post 170 operator–satellite NTN partnerships in 80 countries and territories, GSA data shows appeared first on GSA.

If purchasing this individual report please email admin@gsacom.com to get the annex file. You will require proof of purchase details in your email.

The September 2025 report highlights the accelerating integration of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite connectivity into the world of cellular communication. By August 2025, there were 170 publicly announced operator–satellite partnerships in 80 countries and territories, with 34 operators in 25 markets having launched commercial services.

Rural and enterprise broadband remains the dominant application, accounting for half of all partnerships. Satellite-to-cellphone services are expanding quickly, with 12 launches and 24 trials or licensed projects, driven by players like SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk, enabling unmodified smartphones to connect in remote areas.

Starlink leads the provider landscape with 44 partnerships, followed by AST SpaceMobile and Lynk, while Ka-band remains the most widely used frequency range, supporting both feeder and service links. L- and S-bands are increasingly important for direct-to-cell applications.

A limited but growing number of smartphones now support satellite connectivity. Overall, the findings point to an evolving landscape where satellite services are moving from niche to mainstream, with strong growth expected in broadband and direct-to-cell offerings, and slower but steady expansion in IoT applications.

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© GSA 2025

https://gsacom.com

GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

5G-Satellite-Connectivity September 2025 – Members

The post 5G-Satellite-Connectivity September 2025 – Members appeared first on GSA.

The September 2025 report highlights the accelerating integration of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite connectivity into the world of cellular communication. By August 2025, there were 170 publicly announced operator–satellite partnerships in 80 countries and territories, with 34 operators in 25 markets having launched commercial services.

Rural and enterprise broadband remains the dominant application, accounting for half of all partnerships. Satellite-to-cellphone services are expanding quickly, with 12 launches and 24 trials or licensed projects, driven by players like SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile and Lynk, enabling unmodified smartphones to connect in remote areas.

Starlink leads the provider landscape with 44 partnerships, followed by AST SpaceMobile and Lynk, while Ka-band remains the most widely used frequency range, supporting both feeder and service links. L- and S-bands are increasingly important for direct-to-cell applications.

A limited but growing number of smartphones now support satellite connectivity. Overall, the findings point to an evolving landscape where satellite services are moving from niche to mainstream, with strong growth expected in broadband and direct-to-cell offerings, and slower but steady expansion in IoT applications.

LinkedIn

X

YouTube

Weibo

WeChat: GSA Express

© GSA 2025

https://gsacom.com

GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

5G-Satellite-Connectivity September 2025 Summary

The post 5G-Satellite-Connectivity September 2025 Summary appeared first on GSA.

This ANNEX shows the data behind the 5G-Satellite-Connectivity September 2025 – Report and is for GSA Members and Associate subscribers.

The post 5G-Satellite-Connectivity September 2025 – ANNEX appeared first on GSA.

Satellites are rapidly gaining prominence in the world of cellular communication. However, the full extent of their potential to complement terrestrial networks as well as phone services and broadband is still unclear. Alongside this, the cost for satellite service plans tends to be higher because of the need to purchase expensive equipment and terminals. Although uses for satellites are currently limited, this evolving industry is taking its first step toward long-term growth, similarly to the evolution of terrestrial networks.

This report draws on public information collected by GSA, focusing on announced mobile network operator and satellite provider partnerships; uses; commercial status; geographic availability; and frequency bands being earmarked for non-terrestrial network use. As the technology advances and more partnerships are formed, the potential for satellite networks to supplement and enhance terrestrial networks will become increasingly clear.

By the end of February 2025, GSA had identified 143 publicly announced partnerships between operators and satellite vendors across 53 countries and territories. In total, 79 operators in 54 countries and territories have planned satellite services, with 22 operators in 17 countries and territories currently evaluating, testing or trialling these. Now, 24 operators in 20 countries and territories have commercially launched satellite services, growing by 12 operators and eight countries and territories since the previous update in September 2024.

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© GSA 2025

https://gsacom.com

GSA Research

Mobile industry research is the backbone of GSA activity and covers topics from devices, chipsets and technology, to networks, features and spectrum.

The GSA research team is constantly following market dynamics and activity to ensure the latest data is available to GSA users via the GSA website.

Data is updated monthly and quarterly and can be referenced by users who register for free on the GSA website and download multiple reports, charts and videos of webinars. GSA welcomes any contributions on industry data from mobile operators, vendors and suppliers what want to ensure accurate industry data is shared globally.

GSA GAMBoD Database

GSA reports are based on extensive data contained in the GSA GAMBoD databases, which is a resource available to GSA members and associates. Companies and policy makers can subscribe, as a GSA associate, to gain access to GSA databases and member reports for additional insights into the source data behind reports, which can be used for their own research purposes.

Discounted annual subscription are available to regulators, government agencies and licensed mobile operators.

Please email info@gsacom.com for more information.

5G-Satellite-Connectivity March 2025

The post 5G-Satellite-Connectivity March 2025 appeared first on GSA.

Synopsis

The advent of 5G marks a significant leap forward in telecommunication capabilities, delivering enhanced throughput, increased capacity, and improved latency. However, the potential of this fifth-generation wireless technology extends far beyond terrestrial confines, expanding into the realm of satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). NTN open-up new applications and services by providing robust connectivity in remote and underserved areas and are the key to bridging the digital divide and ensuring comprehensive global connectivity.

With the introduction of 3GPP Rel-17, NTN capabilities have been significantly bolstered, enabling the seamless delivery of Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G New Radio (NR) applications. Discover how NTN are revolutionizing connectivity, empowering communities with tailored solutions serving diverse needs — from agriculture to public safety — and successfully bridging the digital divide worldwide.

This Mavenir white paper highlights the strategic advantages of NTN solutions for CSPs, including cost-efficiency in underserved areas, advancements in 3GPP standards for seamless satellite integration, and Mavenir’s cutting-edge, cloud-native NTN RAN approach.

This white paper explores:

The NTN NR market landscape
The economic drivers and strategic benefits of adopting NTN
NTN Evolution from proprietary standards to 5G New Radio
NTN in the 3GPP roadmap
The building blocks of NTN
Satellite-based NTN architecture
Path to regenerative NTN architecture
Core network considerations for NTN
NTN use cases

Download the full whitepaper here: https://www.mavenir.com/resources/5g-non-terrestrial-networks-get-ready-for-launch/

5G Non-Terrestrial Networks

© GSA 2025

Mavenir is a GSA Associate subscriber – benefit from becoming a GSA Member or Associate here.

The post 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks – Mavenir Whitepaper appeared first on GSA.

Satellites are rapidly gaining prominence in the world of cellular communication. However, the full extent of their potential to complement terrestrial networks as well as phone services and broadband is still unclear. Alongside this, the cost for satellite service plans tends to be higher because of the need to purchase expensive equipment and terminals. Although uses for satellites are currently limited, this evolving industry is taking its first step toward long-term growth, similarly to the evolution of terrestrial networks.

This report draws on public information collected by GSA, focusing on announced mobile network operator and satellite provider partnerships; uses; commercial status; geographic availability; and frequency bands being earmarked for non-terrestrial network (NTN) use. As the technology advances and more partnerships are formed, the potential for satellite networks to supplement and enhance terrestrial networks will become increasingly clear.

By the end of July 2024, GSA had identified 101 publicly announced partnerships between operators and satellite vendors across 53 countries and territories. In total, 62 operators in 45 countries and territories have planned satellite services, with 17 operators in 14 countries and territories currently evaluating, testing or trialling these. Now, 12 operators in 12 countries and territories have commercially launched satellite services, growing by two operators since the previous update in April 2024.

5G Satellite Connectivity September 2024

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© GSA 2024

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