"Generally, reviews and analyses of the telecoms market have been very grounded and focused on gigabit fibre networks and 5G mobile. But any look at 2025 would not be complete if it didn't show just how much service providers and the industry in general are now increasingly and literally reaching for the stars - to be more precise, the looking at the burgeoning satellite communications sector."
"The upshot is that in 2025 non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite connectivity moved very markedly from niche to mainstream, whether in rural broadband or direct-to-cell use cases. In terms of those driving the provider landscape, it was no surprise to see Starlink as having gained the highest orbit sealing with 44 partnerships, followed by AST SpaceMobile and Lynk. Looking at use cases and geography, rural and enterprise broadband remained the dominant application, with the leading providers players enabling unmodified smartphones to connect in remote areas."
"In July 2025, Virgin Atlantic announced plans to introduce Starlink in-flight connectivity across its entire fleet by creating a digitally connected cabin. Months later, arch rival International Airlines Group (IAG) announced a partnership to implement Starlink connectivity for more than 500 aircraft across its fleet, which includes Aer Lingus, British Airways (BA), Iberia, Level and Vueling. Not to be outdone, Qatar and Emirates also inked deals with Starlink to equip widebody aircraft with connectivity."
Non-terrestrial networks and satellite connectivity moved markedly from niche to mainstream in 2025, powering rural broadband, direct-to-cell, and enterprise use cases. Starlink led provider partnerships with 44 agreements, followed by AST SpaceMobile and Lynk. Rural and enterprise broadband remained the dominant applications, with leading providers enabling unmodified smartphones to connect in remote areas. In-flight connectivity accelerated as multiple carriers pursued satellite solutions. Virgin Atlantic planned Starlink across its entire fleet, IAG committed to Starlink for over 500 aircraft across its brands, and Qatar and Emirates also signed Starlink deals. 5G deployment concentrated on advanced in-venue and stadium connectivity experiences.
#satellite-communications #non-terrestrial-networks #in-flight-connectivity #rural-and-enterprise-broadband
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