The line between terrestrial and satellite networks is blurring faster than ever, as connectivity is no longer determined by location. At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Las Vegas, GSMA Intelligence hosted the third satellite & NTN Summit, bringing together leaders from Iridium, Globalstar, SES, and Viasat to discuss the implications of this convergence for consumers, enterprises, and the competitive landscape ahead. The conversation explored how non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are shifting from niche infrastructure to a foundational element of the global communications fabric.
The Acceleration of Convergence
Iridium’s Vice President, Global Sales, Brian Aziz, began the panel by describing how collaboration and rapid growth are revolutionizing the satellite sector. He said “There’s a lot more investment and opportunity being brought into this space. Over the last 12 months, I’ve seen that accelerate.” According to Aziz, operators are now finding new ways to collaborate with mobile network operators (MNOs) to provide expanded services and attract new customers.
Satellite’s Role in Always-On Connectivity
The biggest change, according to Mersad Cavcic, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Globalstar, is in perception. “Instead of seeing satellite connectivity as just remote connectivity, customers are embracing the idea of satellite being part of always-on connectivity.” According to Cavcic, this shift opens access to new market verticals such as consumer devices and enterprise IoT, and it expands the total addressable market.
Cavcic emphasized how user demand is guiding future development, pointing to their role in direct-to-device (D2D) services. In reference to the company’s plans for a new constellation announced in late 2024 to support higher bandwidth and greater downlink power, he stated, “We’re going to continue paying attention to what the customers are interested in, number one, and two, willing to pay for.”
Mainstream Adoption and Seamless Service
According to Michael Burkis, Managing Sales Director at SES, satellite connectivity is now a common topic in the mainstream technology conversation. “If you look at the market its mainstream right now…Starlink came to market, and now you’ve got Kuiper competing, where SES comes from, we’re taking that to the next level with multi-orbit.”
Burkis explained the company’s focus on forming partnerships with MNOs, such as its collaboration with SoftBank to deliver 5G NTN solutions that ensure continuous service. “Our approach to the marketplace and working with the MNOs is when the customer goes off grid, it seamlessly rides to satellite network. That’s our approach to it,” he said. “That continuity of service is critical.”
Affordability as the Next Frontier of NTN Growth
Viasat’s Global Market Development Manager, Tregg Spolar, brought a semiconductor and IoT perspective to the discussion, highlighting how cost reductions have made satellite a viable part of IoT networks. “We’ve seen the cost come down, and the ability to integrate that at fractions of a penny… Instead of it costing thousands of dollars per installation, we’re talking sub-$100 at a maximum.”
Spolar added that personal safety and automotive are the biggest consumer use cases, and the growing IoT market, which is already in the billions, has the potential to grow sixfold within seven years. Additionally, he cautioned against the satellite industry being overly consolidated, arguing that long-term resilience and innovation depends on a diverse range of providers.
Looking Ahead
All the panelists agreed that collaboration, interoperability, and realistic user expectations will determine the success of NTN services as the discussion turned toward the future. Aziz emphasized the importance of balancing user experience with cost and capability, stating, “A satellite network is never going to be a terrestrial network, no matter how you marry it.”
Meanwhile, Cavcic stressed that scaling to “always-on” models, that can potentially reach billions of devices, is essential for the next phase of growth. Burkis agreed, calling for stronger industry partnerships and simplified offerings to meet rising demand.
The Satellite & NTN Summit emphasized that the era of satellite-terrestrial convergence is here, not just in the future. As Spolar summed it up,
“The market is growing, there’s tons of room for competition, and there’s tons of room for all of us to exist at a healthy growth rate together.”
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