In today’s hyperconnected world, seamless connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s an expectation. Yet despite the transformative impact of cellular and IoT technologies, much of the Earth’s surface remains outside the reach of ground-based infrastructure. This gap underscores the urgent need for new solutions that can provide truly global coverage. Nonterrestrial networks (NTNs), particularly those leveraging low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, represent a paradigm shift in global communications, extending connectivity to remote and underserved regions.
Major players such as SpaceX’s Starlink, Amazon’s Kuiper and OneWeb are investing heavily in satellite-based solutions to expand network access. Meanwhile, geopolitical tensions and national data security concerns are fueling an added sense of urgency to the evolution of satellite investment, deployment and ownership.
The Growth Trajectory Of LEO And NTN Connectivity
The rapid deployment of LEO satellite constellations by private and government entities marks the beginning of a new phase in satellite communications. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites, which suffer from high latency and limited throughput, LEO satellites operate at lower altitudes—reducing signal travel time and improving data rates. These enhancements make NTNs a powerful tool for applications such as global IoT connectivity, disaster response, maritime and aeronautical communications and remote sensing.
Allied Market Research forecasts the NTN market will reach $93.6 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 40.6%. Expect NTN-enabled LEO networks to support applications ranging from real-time environmental monitoring to direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity for smartphones and wearables.
5G Regenerative Payloads And User Terminal Adaptations
One of the critical advancements enabling NTNs is the development of 5G regenerative payloads—satellite-based base stations that process signals in orbit instead of simply routing them to a ground station. These payloads allow for greater network efficiency, lower latency and better spectrum utilization.
For NTNs to become truly viable, user terminals—whether smartphones, IoT devices or enterprise communication systems—must be adapted to support 5G NTN. Enhancements in 3GPP releases 17, 18 and 19 introduced critical upgrades, including satellite-based timing synchronization, power efficiency optimizations and signal adaptation techniques to maintain reliable communication even in high-mobility environments.
Furthermore, the adoption of millimeter wave (mmWave) spectrum (FR2), which offers higher bandwidth and throughput, can significantly enhance satellite communications. However, these frequencies also require advanced processing capabilities to manage increased data rates and mitigate interference effectively. This reinforces an even greater need for optimized power efficiency and signal processing.
Security And Power Efficiency
As NTNs scale globally, security becomes a central concern for operators and governments alike. Satellite communications are inherently vulnerable to cyber threats, including eavesdropping, signal jamming and data interception. Future NTN deployments must incorporate advanced encryption protocols, AI-powered anomaly detection and quantum-resistant security measures to ensure safe and resilient communications.
Additionally, power efficiency remains a fundamental constraint, particularly for space-based systems with limited energy resources. Advances in semiconductor design, energy-efficient signal processing and intelligent power management solutions will be necessary to maximize the lifespan and efficiency of satellites, user terminals and ground stations. Processing-intensive tasks such as adaptive beamforming, real-time Doppler compensation and AI-driven interference mitigation must be optimized to balance performance with power consumption.
Migration From Proprietary Technologies To 3GPP 5G NTN
Satellite communications are undergoing a major shift as the industry moves away from proprietary technologies toward standardized 3GPP 5G NTN frameworks to enable greater interoperability, scalability and efficiency across space and terrestrial networks.
By adopting 3GPP 5G standards, NTN operators can create a unified ecosystem that allows satellite and ground-based networks to function seamlessly together. Standardization enhances service quality, expands global reach and ensures users in remote areas receive the same level of connectivity as those in urban centers.
Beyond interoperability, 3GPP 5G NTN introduces technical adaptations that improve satellite network performance. Given the long signal travel times and variable signal strengths inherent in NTN communication, 3GPP introduces enhancements such as advanced error correction, dynamic link adaptation and network slicing to ensure reliable and efficient satellite communications.
The Future Of NTN And Satellite Connectivity
The future of satellite communication is intertwined with smart edge advancements and the evolution of 5G and 6G, which together enable more intelligent, adaptive networks that optimize connectivity in real time. In parallel, AI integration is transforming satellite constellations into distributed data centers—leveraging the low latency of LEO satellites to process data closer to users, reduce reliance on distant cloud infrastructure and offload compute demands from power-constrained edge devices.
As satellite constellations expand and NTN technology matures, truly global, high-speed, low-latency internet access is becoming a reality and a key enabler to future edge AI use cases. This shift will drive economic growth, enhance emergency response and advance digital inclusion—cementing NTNs as a fundamental pillar of modern communication infrastructure.
Satellite communications are at the forefront of the next era of global connectivity. By extending network access beyond terrestrial infrastructure, NTNs have the potential to revolutionize industries, bridge the digital divide and enhance emergency response capabilities. However, achieving this vision requires overcoming key technical, regulatory and environmental challenges through continued innovation and collaboration.
With advancements in processing technology, the adoption of 3GPP 5G NTN standards and the integration of AI-powered solutions, NTNs are rapidly becoming a necessity. As investment and development accelerate, the dream of seamless, global connectivity is no longer a distant aspiration; it is happening now. The future of communications extends beyond Earth’s boundaries, creating new opportunities for people, industries and societies worldwide.
Published on Forbes: Council Post: An Insider’s Look At CES’s Emerging Tech Trends For 2025
Iri Trashanski
