The world of connectivity is evolving, and satellite Internet of Things (IoT) is at the forefront. Businesses today depend on satellite-enabled IoT to bridge gaps where terrestrial networks falter. Remote farms, ocean-bound cargo, and rugged industrial sites are just a few examples of operations that struggle to maintain uninterrupted connectivity with cellular-only solutions. Satellite-supported IoT devices can even extend beyond traditional enterprise applications, as evidenced by the use of Globalstar’s satellite transmitter chip for animal monitoring.
As demand for connected devices continues to grow, the satellite IoT landscape is transforming. In ABI Research’s whitepaper, Aligning Satellite IoT Connectivity with Evolving Customer Needs, our analysts reveal how this technology is being reshaped.
Here are five ways satellite IoT is changing and what it means for your telco strategy.
1. Expanding Reach with IoT-NTN Adoption
Satellite IoT is breaking new ground with IoT Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology. ABI Research analysts forecast a surge from 2.08 million IoT-NTN connections in 2024 to nearly 14 million by 2032—a 26.9% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). This leap comfortably outpaces LoRa NTN’s growth (17.7% CAGR, reaching 4 million).
IoT-NTN’s ability to integrate seamlessly with existing Narrowband (NB)-IoT and LTE-M modules is highly attractive to enterprises. Deployment only requires minor hardware tweaks. For businesses, this means that satellite-enabled IoT can quickly become a backup or primary solution in areas lacking cellular coverage.
2. Blurring Lines Between Legacy and Startup Players
The satellite IoT market's competitive landscape is no longer a tale of two camps. Legacy operators like Iridium and Globalstar are now embracing IoT-NTN. As Senior Analyst Lizzie Stokes states, “The technical and commercial differences between legacy and dedicated IoT-NTN operators have led to minimal crossover or competition in the first 2 years of the IoT-NTN standard’s existence. “ Legacy operators have traditionally leveraged proprietary protocols for niche applications like maritime and mining, while dedicated IoT-NTN operators have used standardization to offer satellite/cellular hybrid solutions. Stokes continues, “That relatively stable competitive landscape will now change, as LEO-based legacy operators introduce their own IoT-NTN services.”
With established NTN infrastructure, legacy players are expanding into data-light satellite-enabled IoT applications. ABI Research expects legacy operators to find lucrative opportunities in industries like fleet management and agriculture. This shift is redefining competition, pushing IoT startups to innovate faster while legacy firms leverage scale. Another way to put it, satellite IoT is turning into a unified, fiercely contested arena.
3. Shifting to Low Earth Orbit Dominance
Orbit choice is another reflection of how satellite IoT is changing. Currently, IoT-NTN services typically rely on Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) constellations, with Skylo serving as an intermediary. Legacy operators—which make up the lion’s share of IoT connections—are expected to have 1.86 million GEO-based satellite IoT connections in 2025, compared to none for Low Earth Orbit (LEO). At the same time, dedicated IoT-NTN operators use LEO exclusively, albeit at a modest 420,000 total connections.
But that is all about to change, as LEO satellites’ low latencies and cost savings make a compelling case for enterprises.
ABI Research analysts project that LEO-based IoT-NTN connections from legacy operators will hit 5.67 million by 2032, while GEO peaks at 4.45 million. Startups like Lacuna Space and Sateliot already rely on LEO for satellite-enabled IoT, and legacy operators plan LEO launches by 2026. This change makes satellite IoT more affordable and responsive—key for real-time applications like condition-based monitoring.
4. Powering Hybrid Connectivity Solutions
Satellite IoT is no longer a standalone fix. Our IoT Networks & Platforms team is witnessing it merge with cellular networks to develop a versatile, hybrid connectivity solution. IoT-NTN’s ability to pair with terrestrial systems is a game-changer for mobile use cases. For example, hybrid satellite/cellular connectivity is a solid fit for IoT in fleet management and container tracking, where assets roam beyond cellular range.
Companies like Iridium (via Project Stardust) and Starlink (with T-Mobile) are standardizing these hybrid offerings under The 3rd Generation Partnership Project’s (3GPP) Release 17. For example, T-Mobile teamed up with Starlink to provide Direct-to-Cell (DTC) capabilities to smartphone users affected by the Los Angeles wildfires in January.
The evolution to hybrid connectivity means businesses can rely on satellite IoT as a seamless extension of their networks, not a last resort. The change is practical and profound, making connectivity truly borderless.
5. Welcoming New Innovators and Competition
The satellite IoT ecosystem is becoming crowded, which is accelerating innovation. A case in point, Amazon’s Project Kuiper is set to deploy LEO satellites in 2025. Its constellation will feature laser-linked satellite IoT solutions for fast, low-latency communication.
While Starlink’s 6,791-satellite network leads, Kuiper will leverage its operator partnership network to extend 4G and 5G broadband services to underserved regions. Meanwhile, operators like EchoStar Mobile push LoRa NTN for critical infrastructure.
ABI Research analysts see this influx intensifying pressure on pricing and innovation. Satellite IoT is changing from a niche technology to a battleground where new players square off against incumbents in attracting Business-to-Business (B2B) customers.
Why These Changes Matter
Satellite-enabled IoT is a cornerstone of tomorrow’s business applications. Whether you’re tracking a pallet of goods or monitoring a piece of mining equipment, the fusion of satellite and IoT facilitates the highly reliable connectivity needed for operational excellence. The bottom line is that cellular connectivity simply does not suffice in every situation. Some areas, especially remote regions, lack the prerequisite infrastructure needed for digital transformation. After all, why should a telco invest in cell towers for a low-populated area that will drive little revenue?
In other scenarios, businesses are managing in-transit assets that are constantly entering connectivity dead zones. Satellites, on the other hand, provide coverage no matter where it is needed.
Our team projects global satellite IoT connections to grow nearly sixfold by 2032, reaching 18 million total connections. As pointed out in this blog post, IoT-NTN is the emergent trend in this landscape, signaling the shift toward standardized, LEO-based solutions.
For mobile operators and satellite providers, it’s a race to align with evolving needs. To better understand how the market is changing and how you can keep pace, download our whitepaper: Aligning Satellite IoT Connectivity with Evolving Customer Needs. This paper, authored by ABI Research analysts, offers detailed forecasts, company analyses, and strategic guidance.
