A new global survey of 600 industry leaders indicates direct-to-device satellite connectivity is transitioning from a theoretical concept to active procurement planning for critical sectors. The study, focusing on non-terrestrial networks (NTN) for industrial Internet of Things (IoT) applications, surveyed decision-makers in agriculture, energy, transport, mining, and utilities worldwide.
Key Driver: 3GPP Standardization
The most significant catalyst for this shift is the formalization of support for non-terrestrial networks in the 3GPP Release 17 standard. This technical milestone, established by the global partnership project for telecommunications standards, provides a unified framework for satellite connectivity to integrate with terrestrial 5G networks. It enables device manufacturers and network operators to develop interoperable hardware and services with greater confidence.
This standardization reduces previous technological and investment uncertainties. It allows companies in remote asset management, logistics, and infrastructure monitoring to consider satellite links as a reliable component of their connectivity strategy. The move signals a maturation of the technology beyond niche applications.
Survey Scope and Sector Impact
The research canvassed opinions from senior figures responsible for connectivity and operational technology investments. Their industries represent sectors where traditional cellular coverage is often unavailable or unreliable, such as offshore wind farms, remote mining operations, and long-haul freight corridors.
In agriculture, direct satellite connectivity could enable real-time soil and crop monitoring across vast fields without dependency on local infrastructure. For energy and utilities, it promises resilient supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) for pipelines and electrical grids in isolated areas. The transport and logistics sector views it as vital for global asset tracking and supply chain visibility.
From Concept to Procurement
The central finding of the report is the evolution of corporate interest. Where satellite IoT was previously explored as a future concept, it is now entering the evaluation and budgeting phases within many organizations. This planning stage involves comparing vendor offerings, assessing total cost of ownership, and piloting specific use cases.
This procurement planning activity suggests that early commercial deployments of standardized NTN-IoT solutions could begin within the next few budget cycles. The demand appears driven by the need for ubiquitous coverage, enhanced resilience against terrestrial network failures, and compliance with evolving safety and reporting regulations.
Forward-Looking Developments
Industry observers anticipate increased collaboration between satellite operators, mobile network operators, and industrial IoT platform providers in the coming year. The next phase will likely involve the announcement of specific commercial service packages tailored to vertical industries, alongside the certification of the first wave of 3GPP Release 17-compliant NTN modules for devices. Further clarity on service pricing models and definitive performance metrics will be critical for final purchase decisions by the enterprises surveyed.
Source: IoT Tech News
