57 operators in 35 countries and territories have launched commercial offerings; 21 of them offer satellite-to-smartphone services which are driving the NTN market
Global mobile Suppliers Association’s (GSA) report on Non-Terrestrial 5G Networks and Satellite Connectivity found that by April this year, there were 275 publicly announced operator-satellite partnerships in 101 countries and territories.
Some 57 operators in 35 countries and territories have launched commercial offerings, and of them, 21 partnerships in 17 countries have launched satellite-to-phone services – widely known as direct-to-device or D2D – which are driving NTN momentum.
5G NTN is also widely adopted to provide fixed broadband, predominantly in rural and remote areas. It makes up 38% of all identified partnerships, down from 45% in the previous edition because of the growing momentum of satellite-to-smartphone technology.
As of mid-April 2026, GSA reports that 23 partnerships have launched services; two more than in February 2026. Another seven are in the evaluation, testing, trialling or licensed phase, and 75 more have services planned.
IoT and M2M slowest to progress
The IoT and M2M segment is in the earliest stage of development, making up only 8.3% of all satellite partnerships recognised by GSA. This slow movement can be attributed to slow adoption of new technologies as a result of long IoT replacement cycle.
Joe Barrett, President of Global mobile Suppliers Association, commented, “GSA has observed operators pursuing a multivendor approach for satellite-to-cellphone in different markets, and this growing device ecosystem and greater interest in the technology will help fuel further satellite partnerships in the year ahead.”
He also said, “The number of partnerships between operators and satellite providers will continue to increase over the coming years. The need for operators to cater to people in rural areas, as well as in the event of natural disasters where terrestrial networks may be affected, will drive interest and momentum for broadband and satellite-to-cellphone technology.”
Download your copy of the GSA Non-Terrestrial 5G Networks and Satellite Connectivity Report (May 2026) here.
