How big is the 5G NTN Market?
According to 6Wresearch internal database and industry insights, the 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) market was valued at approximately USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 28.7% during the forecast period.
This growth is driven by the need for ubiquitous 5G connectivity in remote and underserved areas, supported by satellite and high-altitude platform (HAPS) systems.
Key Growth Drivers of the 5G NTN Market
- Rising demand for broadband in rural, remote, and maritime regions
- Satellite-based backhaul for seamless global 5G coverage
- Advancements in LEO (low Earth orbit) satellite constellations and HAPS
- Government and defense sector interest in resilient 5G communication
- Emerging use cases in disaster recovery, aviation, and logistics
5G NTN Market Trends
5G NTN market is witnessing strong momentum due to increasing partnerships between satellite operators and telecom vendors. Standardization efforts by 3GPP for integrating NTNs into 5G architecture are accelerating development. LEO satellites are enabling low-latency, high-capacity communication critical for industrial and emergency services. Defense agencies and maritime services are exploring NTN to ensure connectivity in mission-critical environments. Additionally, hybrid 5G terrestrial and non-terrestrial models are being tested for seamless handoffs and broader coverage.
Emerging Developments in the 5G NTN Market
New initiatives are direct-to-device (D2D) satellite 5G, which enable smartphones to be connected without terrestrial towers. Stable connectivity Satellite positioning and beamforming is being done by optimizing it using AI. Space-based Internet of Things and 5G voice/data testbeds are launched by startups and technology behemoths. Blockchain is being studied to use in satellite communication to protect transmission records and automate access to services. Technologies in NTN pay loads are improving the reuse and capacity of frequencies in the NTN systems.
Major Companies in the 5G NTN Market
- SpaceX (Starlink)
- AST Space Mobile
- One Web
- Thales Alenia Space
- Eutelsat
- Iridium Communications
- Hughes Network Systems
- SES S.A.
- Intelsat
- Lockheed Martin
How big is the 5G NTN market : FAQs
The market was valued at USD 3.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 18.7 billion by 2031 at a CAGR of 28.7%.
Telecom, defense, maritime, aviation, and remote industrial operations.
Global coverage demand, satellite innovation, and need for resilient 5G links.
Spectrum allocation, interoperability, and high deployment and launch costs.
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