Doha: A session titled "Satellite and Non-Terrestrial Networks Summit," held Wednesday as part of MWC25 Doha, examined emerging trends in global telecommunications and the growing integration of terrestrial and space-based networks in reshaping connectivity worldwide. Participants discussed expanding opportunities in embedded artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, as well as regulatory challenges facing the industry as satellite services scale up.
According to Qatar News Agency, the panel highlighted international case studies, including the rollout two days ago of direct-to-device satellite connectivity in Ukraine in partnership with Starlink, which attracted more than 300,000 users within 24 hours. Plans call for expansion into Kazakhstan next year to provide more flexible emergency and disaster-response services.
Speakers emphasized that the world stands on the threshold of a new connectivity revolution driven by partnerships between telecom operators and satellite providers, with the industry shifting from pilot projects to full commercial deployments. Forecasts point to a coming wave of direct-to-device services amid intense competition among global players.
They noted that the addressable satellite market represents one of the largest future growth opportunities for the telecommunications sector, encompassing all users and devices that can benefit from space-based connectivity-either to bridge gaps in terrestrial coverage or to extend digital services. Estimates suggest the market includes 500 million to 600 million people living beyond the reach of traditional networks, plus some 300 million in areas with weak or unstable coverage.
It also covers more than two billion Internet of Things devices-such as sensors, monitoring systems and asset trackers-that require constant connectivity not always available through ground networks.
Panelists pointed to robust activity across Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which by mid-2025 had formed around 10 partnerships in satellite connectivity or direct-to-device services. These initiatives aim to broaden subscriber coverage, develop advanced roaming solutions and enable IoT applications in critical sectors, including logistics and smart agriculture. Projections indicate that fifth-generation (5G) networks will cover 95 percent of the Gulf population by 2030, positioning the region as an ideal platform for advancing satellite connectivity and smart mobility technologies.
The discussion also addressed regulatory hurdles related to spectrum allocation, where competing models involve either frequency reuse or dedicated bands for mobile satellites serving mobile users. Experts stressed that the success of future ecosystems will require a careful balance between technical and regulatory approaches.
The concept of the addressable satellite market underscores that satellites will no longer serve merely as backup for failing terrestrial networks but as a core component of hybrid earth-space systems designed to meet surging data demand. As industrial, agricultural and logistics applications expand, companies expect this vast market to become a new, sustainable revenue stream, offsetting slowing growth in traditional mobile voice and data services in many parts of the world.