Mobile Satellite Phone Market by Type (LEO Satellite Phone and GEO Satellite Phone), Application (Defense, Maritime, Aviation, Oil & Gas, and Others), and Regional Analysis (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2022-2031

Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market Analysis

The Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market Size was $553.6 million in 2021 and is predicted to grow with a CAGR of 3.9%, by generating a revenue of $808.5 million by 2031.

Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market Synopsis

A significant increase in demand for mobile satellite phones in emergency situations such as natural or man-made disasters and defense operations for coordinating with teams is the primary factor driving the growth of the global mobile satellite phone market. In addition, advancing technological innovations such as the introduction of smart satellite phones are expected to create abundant opportunities for market expansion in the upcoming years.

Mobile satellite phone is typically more expensive than traditional cell phones, and the cost of satellite phone services is also higher. Mobile satellite phone has low data bandwidth, large antenna size, and need to have clear line of sight (LOS) to satellite in the sky. Also, the per minute charges of the mobile satellite phone is higher than the cellular phones. These factors are anticipated to limit the mobile satellite phone market share in the future.

The adoption of mobile satellite phones during emergency situations is expected to rise in a number of industries, including construction, tourism, fisheries, mining, and transportation, which is expected to lead to significant growth in the global mobile satellite phone market during the forecast period. During severe weather, natural and man-made disasters, and when existing communication networks are down, satellite phones are typically used. Mobile satellite phones have better geographic networks than landline and cellular phones in addition to the aforementioned factors. These factors are anticipated to propel the global mobile satellite phone market growth during the forecast period.

According to regional analysis, the mobile satellite phone market in North America is experiencing the fastest growth among all the regions, mainly owing to the rapid increase in the demand for satellite communication from the developing countries in this region. Countries such as the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are investing in the development of advanced satellite-based infrastructure capabilities at different locations.

Mobile Satellite Phone Overview

Mobile satellite phone is a handheld device that uses satellite infrastructure for wireless voice and message communication. These satellite phones uses satellite for communicating with cellular, landline, or other networks during emergency communications. Mobile satellite phone is widely used during emergency situations such as natural disasters including earthquake, nuclear, biological, or chemical attacks. The satellite used for communication receives the information signal in the form of voice, text, and others. For instance, when user initiates a call on the satellite phone, the nearest satellite picks up the call and authenticates the user via nearest gateway present on the earth.

COVID-19 Impact on Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market

The COVID-9 pandemic had a moderate impact on the mobile satellite phone market demand. Almost every industry was impacted by the pandemic in different ways, including how it has affected market conditions, supply chains, output, and ongoing projects. On the contrary, during the pandemic, government organizations in various countries extended their support for mobile satellite phone in various ways. For instance, in February 2021, the Indian government declared that it had instructed Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) to find the best or most long-lasting solution for Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to upgrade communication systems in remote areas, as people in these areas encounter numerous challenges when attempting to contact their families. Such government initiatives could present profitable opportunities for investors in the post-pandemic period as well.

Superior Performance of Mobile Satellite Phone During Emergency Situations Compared to Cellular Phones to Drive the Market Growth

The increase in the use of mobile satellite phone in emergency situations, such as natural or man-made disasters, and in defense missions for team communication is anticipated to have a positive impact on the mobile satellite phone market opportunities. When there are no other communication networks available, satellite phones are primarily used to coordinate rescue efforts during severe weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. The most recent models of satellite phones are also much lighter, smaller, and have better features like not being restricted to specific locations and not requiring communication towers. In addition, they have superior geographic networks compared to landlines and mobile phones. These aspects are predicted to increase the need for cutting-edge mobile satellite phone solutions, which is further anticipated to boost the market expansion during the forecast period.

To know more about global mobile satellite phone market drivers, get in touch with our analysts here.

Stringent Regulatory Norms on the Usage of Mobile Satellite Phone Across Several Countries to Hamper the Market Growth

The government’s strict regulations, which include the ban on satellite phones in various countries such as Bangladesh and India, are the main factor projected to limit the global market for mobile satellite phone. In addition, when manufacturing mobile satellite phones, certain standards are set by governments, such as International Electrochemical Commission 62262 (IEC 62262)/European Standard EN 62262 which is hampering the mobile satellite phone adoption to some extent. For instance, in India, visitors are not allowed to carry mobile satellite phones without permission as the use of these phones were restricted after terrorist attacks. During the forecast period, these factors are anticipated to have a negative impact on the market for mobile satellite phone demand.

Technological Advancements in Satellite Phones to Drive Excellent Opportunities in the Market

Rapid technological advancements with the development of smart satellite phones that can work as normal cellular smartphones as well as satellite phone is anticipated to boost the market demand in the upcoming years. An increase in demand for smart satellite phones such as normal Android phones that can work both as satellite phones and normal phones is expected to increase the demand for mobile satellite phone market. Moreover, key and innovative market players in the mobile satellite phone market are following various effective strategies in order to grow in the international market. For instance, in November 2018, Thuraya Telecommunications, a United Arab Emirates-based mobile satellite company announced the launch of a satellite smartphone, X-5 Touch, a smart satellite phone with an Android operating system with a large display screen as compared to other traditional satellite phones. All these factors are anticipated to generate excellent opportunities for the mobile satellite phone market players in the upcoming years.

To know more about global mobile satellite phone market opportunities, get in touch with our analysts here.

Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market, by Type

Based on type, the market has been divided into LEO satellite phone and GEO satellite phone. Among these, the LEO satellite phone sub-segment accounted for the highest market share in 2021 and is estimated to show the fastest growth during the forecast period.

Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market Size, by Type, 2021

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The LEO satellite phone sub-segment accounted for a dominant market size in 2021. LEO satellites orbit the Earth at a much lower altitude than traditional geostationary satellites, which can provide several benefits for satellite phone users, including lower latency and faster data transfer speeds. The demand for LEO satellite phone market is driven by the rising need for reliable communication services in remote areas, as well as advancements in satellite technology. In addition, the emergence of new players in the LEO satellite phone market, such as SpaceX's Starlink and OneWeb, is expected to increase competition and drive down costs, making LEO satellite phone services more accessible to a broader range of customers.

Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market, by Application

Based on application, the market has been divided into defense, maritime, aviation, oil & gas, and others. Among these, the maritime sub-segment accounted for the highest revenue share in 2021.

Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market Share, by Application, 2021

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The maritime sub-segment accounted for a highest market size in 2021. The demand for mobile satellite phone is rising in the maritime industry as a result of the lack of network connectivity underwater. In the maritime industry, communication with teams for rescue missions or any other emergency is absolutely crucial. In addition, a lot of companies are implementing voice satellite services to guarantee constant and unbroken communications for teams in the construction, tourism, fishing, mining, and transportation industries. Mobile satellite phones offer reliable & secure communication among mariners for communication at sea. Mobile satellite phones operate efficiently in remote areas as well as these phones help in real-time communication for efficient maritime navigation & safety. These factors are anticipated to boost the growth of the maritime sub-segment during the forecast time.

Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market, Regional Insights

The mobile satellite phone market was investigated across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and LAMEA.

Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market Size & Forecast, by Region, 2021-2031 (USD Million)

Source: Research Dive Analysis

The Market for Mobile Satellite Phone in North America was the Most Dominant

The North America mobile satellite phone market accounted for the highest market share in 2021. Significant investments made by market participants are the primary drivers responsible for the enormous growth of the North America mobile satellite phone market. For instance, the Future Satellite Communications Service Acquisition (FCSA) program in the U.S. awarded the complex commercials satellite communication solution contract (CS3) to SES Government Solutions Inc., a provider of satellite solutions based in the U.S. These factors will make it possible for the U.S. government to benefit from cutting-edge services like high connectivity for a fleet of multi-orbit satellites. The demand for mobile satellite phone in this region is anticipated to increase during the forecast period due to such initiatives and regional investments by businesses.

Competitive Scenario in the Global Mobile Satellite Phone Market

Investment and agreement are common strategies followed by major market players operating in the mobile satellite phone market. For instance, in January 2023, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. announced Snapdragon Satellite — the world’s first satellite-based two-way capable messaging solution for premium smartphones. Snapdragon Satellite will provide global connectivity using mobile messaging from around the world, starting with devices based on the flagship Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 Mobile Platform.

Source: Research Dive Analysis

Some of the leading mobile satellite phone market players are Iridium Communications Inc., Globalstar, Inc., Thuraya Telecommunications Company, Inmarsat Global Limited, Beam Communications Pty. Ltd., Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, KVH Industries, Inc., K.S.C., TS2 Space Sp. z o.o., and Garmin Ltd.