Global IoT Satellite Subscribers Base to Reach 15.7 Million by 2025

The use of IoT devices is on the rise, and this is a trend that has survived despite the disorder that the pandemic brought. At the same time, IoT was once a novel technology reserved only for industries and high-profile IT firms. The new decade of 2021 looks at IoT being a mainstream technology that has stepped out of the glare of experimentation. From multi-tasking home utility appliances to smartphones, every device around us is an IoT empowered one today. In fact, IoT has stepped into the satellite communications sector too. IoT powered satellite communication is no longer just emerging technology. People are shifting to IoT satellite subscriptions, and this is reflecting in communication sector data.

For example, the sector of satellite communication through IoT devices took up a customer base of 3.4 million in 2020. The number of IoT satellite communication users went up in 2020 from 2019. Moreover, in the upcoming years too, the number of people using IoT satellite devices will go up. According to market research firms, the sector of IoT empowered satellite devices will grow at an increased rate of 35.8 percent. The number of IoT powered satellite devices will cross the 15 million mark in the next five years.

Satellite connectivity brought in by IoT empowered devices received a boost in 2020 when the pandemic hit. As the pandemic ushered in a time where every corner of the world was in need of mobile connectivity and communication, satellite-powered communication became a necessity. Terrestrial connectivity exists even today and is in use.

However, satellite connectivity is superior to terrestrial connectivity. In terms of reach and durability, satellite connectivity trumps terrestrial networks of communication. The goal of connecting remote areas with mainland areas to create one superior communication network is only possible when satellite communication takes hold.

The widespread use of IoT devices in every sector supports the growth of satellite communication networks. Earlier, satellite networks were only in use for defense purposes. However, now networks have diversified into agriculture, utilities, asset tracking, etc. The diversification of its applications has opened up the avenue of its use globally. Therefore, an increase in the rate of adoption of IoT empowered satellite devices is just a consequence of this trend inside the sector.

While satellite connectivity is nothing new, IoT empowered connectivity brings satellite and IoT devices together to increase their utility and use. Communication giants are now embracing IoT connectivity. Some of the largest satellite operators that have switched to IoT connectivity are ORBCOMM, Iridium, and Globalstar. Another large-scale communication moderator is Inmarsat. More and more communication companies are taking up IoT connectivity to offer better services to their clients. The number of users who opt for IoT satellite connectivity is also increasing. In such a scenario, if other companies do not follow the pioneers in adopting IoT device connectivity, they might fall behind in revenue too.

ORBCOMM, as a pioneer satellite operator, holds 1.2 million subscribers in a project in collaboration with Inmarsat. Apart from these pioneer companies, other initiatives are also joining the IoT satellite connectivity bandwagon. The major driver of this trend is the popular demand for satellite communication services.

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