5G NTN Revolutionizes Satellite Connectivity: Starlink, AST Space Mobile, Kuiper, and More Compete
This Asia-Pacific Satellite Internet Market Report provides analyses of revenue and market forecasts as well as statistics of the Asia-Pacific satellite broadband industry including market sizing, 7-year forecasts, market insights, key satellite trends, LEO/MEO/GEO satellite developments, and also features the following:
- Overall Satellite Subscriber Market Share by Country and Providers
- Satellite Internet Providers Profile (Starlink, Kuiper, OneWeb, AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, GW China among others)
- Satellite Internet Competitive Landscape
- Countries covered: Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines
- Satellite Internet Subscribers, Market Share & Forecasts (including Starlink subscribers by country)
- 5G NTN: The Next Generation of Satellite Connectivity
- Regulatory Considerations
- Evaluating the Impact of Satellite Broadband Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific
- Future Prospects of Satellite Broadband and 5G NTN
The Asia-Pacific has seen rapid growth in satellite broadband connectivity, driven by the region’s unique geography, increasing demand for internet access, and advancements in technology. Key factors in this evolution include technological innovations, changes in regulations, and the drive of industry players.
In 2022, there were approximately 875k satellite broadband subscribers in the region. Australia had the most subscribers, where Starlink dominated, taking users from NBN. India came second with legacy providers like Hughes Communications and Spectra with significant subscribers. By September 2023, Starlink had launched in 60 countries globally, with a significant presence in the Asia-Pacific.
Data shows that the number of satellite broadband subscribers in the Asia-Pacific is projected to surpass 38 million by 2030, with a significant growth rate. Australia led the market in 2022, but India is anticipated to emerge as the primary market by 2024, contingent on the government’s spectrum pricing for LEO satellite projects. The growth rate, particularly with LEO satellites, is expected to be substantial during this forecast period.
The report also covers the latest developments with 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) which integrates the fifth generation of mobile networks with entities like satellites, high-altitude platforms, and unmanned aerial systems, enabling broader and more resilient communication. Designed to address geographic connectivity limitations, it acts as an alternative in rural or challenging terrains, and serves as a backup during disasters. On the technical front, 5G NTN operates on various frequency bands and promises competitive latency due to LEO satellites. It has potential applications for IoT, broadband distribution, and device-centric communication. Despite its promise, challenges include the capital-intensive nature of satellite deployments, regulatory concerns, and competition from advancing terrestrial networks. As for providers, Starlink, AST Space Mobile, Kuiper, and others have diverse offerings. The distinction between geostationary orbit (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites is crucial; while GEOs cover larger areas, LEOs, being closer to Earth, offer lower latency but require more satellites for comprehensive coverage.
In terms of revenue, the report estimates that satellite Internet operators generated nearly USD900 million in 2022 following Starlink’s regional launch. This figure is forecasted to grow significantly by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 50.2%. However, the growth of the satellite broadband market is intertwined with regulatory challenges and the limited availability of spectrum. As demand for spectral frequencies grows, competition becomes fierce. Different nations have unique regulatory frameworks, and navigating these regulations is challenging. Satellite broadband providers face stringent rules to prevent interference with existing services. Thus, entering this market means not just having the technology but also understanding various licensing requirements. As the need for spectrum resources grows with technological advancements, efficient strategies, international collaborations, and dynamic allocation will be essential in the next decade.
Starlink, under SpaceX (founded by Elon Musk), aims to provide global high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity via a satellite constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO).
As of September 2023, nearly 5,000 satellites have been launched out of a proposed 12,000 to 42,000, with launches happening every 4-5 days. Each satellite has a lifespan of approximately 3.5 years. An upcoming “Gen 2” network promises enhanced speeds and user capacity.
In just 3 years, Starlink has become the leading entity in the global broadband satellite market. The analyst reports that by September 2023, Starlink had over 3.7 million subscribers globally, with the largest markets being in North America and about 400k subscribers in the Asia-Pacific region. The report anticipates Starlink 2023 revenues to surpass USD2 billion.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Starlink has formed partnerships with companies like KDDI in Japan, Data Lake and PT&T in the Philippines and Telstra, Vocus, and Optus in Australia for various services such as 4G & 5G backhaul and broadband resale.
Crucially, the Starlink project intersects with geopolitics; its comprehensive satellite coverage raises concerns about digital sovereignty, especially given Musk’s decisive control over its use, as evidenced by his refusal to allow its use in certain military applications. Facing a blend of regulatory challenges and potential strategic partnerships worldwide, Starlink’s dominance in space infrastructure positions it as both a soft power tool for the U.S. and a potential source of space traffic concerns. While primarily commercial, Starlink’s deep intertwining with global geopolitics is increasingly evident as it redefines connectivity norms.
Satellite broadband’s potential in the Asia-Pacific is immense. By diving deep into its market dynamics, socioeconomic impacts, environmental considerations, technological evolution, and the importance of policies and collaboration, this report offers a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges the region faces.
Key Companies Mentioned
- AST Spacemobile
- Eutelsat
- Globalstar
- Inmarsat
- IPStar
- Kacific
- Kuiper
- Lynk
- Measat
- NBN
- OneWeb
- SpaceX
- Starlink
- Viasat
Why you should buy the Asia-Pacific Satellite Internet Market report:
- Benefit from the latest market opportunities
- Understand the threats to your operations and investments and protect your company against future risks
- Gain insights on emerging trends supporting, enhancing or disrupting your activities in the market
- Get a full view of the competitive landscape to assess your market position.
- Forecasts as a key input for successful budgeting and strategic business planning in the telecoms market
- Target business opportunities and risks in the telecoms sector through our reviews of latest industry trends, regulatory changes and major deals, projects and investments
- Assess the activities, strategy and market position of your competitors, partners and clients via our Satellite Internet Operators Profiles
The report includes a comprehensive review of the Asia-Pacific region satellite Internet market dynamics, market sizing, market forecasts, analysis, insights and key trends.
Table of Contents
1. The Race For The Last 5%
Companies Mentioned
- AST Space Mobile
- Data Lake
- Eutelsat
- Globalstar
- GW China
- Hughes Communications
- Inmarsat
- IPStar
- Kacific
- KDDI
- Kuiper
- Lynk
- Measat
- NBN
- OneWeb
- Optus
- PT&T
- SpaceX
- Spectra
- Starlink
- Telstra
- Viasat
- Vocus
Methodology
The publisher uses primary and secondary research as well as proprietary information sources to generate market analysis and forecasts for fixed and mobile services in terms of both subscribers and revenue. Interviews are conducted with key service providers in the region to determine current and potential market sizing as well as future service offerings. Information gathered through interviews is further cross-checked to validate the total market size.
The primary research is supplemented with a range of secondary source material, including related research, press releases, securities filings, media, Web-based materials, and trade publications.
Industry and population statistics are also leveraged for reference and to ensure consistency in the data collection. Extensive service provider primary and secondary research, together with the publisher's end-user research database, provides a strong basis for sizing and forecasting the market. The multiple reference points allow for validation of information provided by the service providers compared with that gathered from alternative sources.
Note: Forecasts are made in local currency, and no allowance is made for inflation. All numbers in this document may not be exact due to rounding.
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