Satellite IoT Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Service Type, Frequency Band, Organization Size, Sector (Military & Defense, Agriculture, Construction, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Transportation & Logistics, Maritime) - Global Forecast to 2031

Increasing Use of Satellite IoT Technology in the Agriculture Industry

Satellite IoT technology is increasingly being used in agriculture to automate routine processes and remotely monitor crops and livestock in real-time. Satellite IoT technology enables precision agriculture, which uses data-driven insights to optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and conserve resources such as water and fertilizers. Satellite IoT services allow for the early detection of pest infestations, crop diseases, or irrigation problems, allowing farmers to quickly address these issues before they escalate. IoT sensors allow farmers to track the temperature and humidity levels in storage facilities, ensuring that agricultural produce meets the required quality standards. With satellite IoT technology, farmers can streamline operations and make more informed decisions based on insights. These benefits are driving the adoption of satellite IoT services in the agriculture sector, accelerating the growth of the satellite IoT market.

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite-based Connectivity

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites revolve around the Earth at lower altitudes. They can maximize the potential of IoT technologies in remote areas and help overcome the lack of proper connectivity. These satellites enable Low Power Global Area Networks (LPGAN) that serve agriculture, oil & gas, transport, logistics, maritime, and environmental applications.

LEO satellite-based connectivity is better suited for low-power communications and can be deployed at lower costs. The players in this market are focused on delivering superior satellite IoT services using LEO satellite-based connectivity. For instance, in June 2023, SATELIO IOT SERVICES, S.L. (Spain) signed an agreement with Giesecke+Devrient GmbH (Germany) and Podsystem Limited (U.S.) a subsidiary of Giesecke+Devrient GmbH to offer users of its IoT services true global coverage. Whenever a terrestrial cellular connection is unavailable, users will automatically move to a satellite network. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, supporting the growth of the satellite IoT market.

By Service Type: In 2024, the Direct-to-Satellite Services Segment to Dominate the Satellite IoT Market

Based on service type, the satellite IoT market is segmented into satellite IoT backhaul services and direct-to-satellite services. In 2024, the direct-to-satellite services segment is expected to account for the larger share of above 71.0% of the satellite IoT market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising demand for direct-to-satellite IoT services for tracking & managing remote operations and the growing demand for direct-to-satellite services in smart agriculture & marine applications.

Moreover, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

By Frequency Band: In 2024, the KU Band Segment to Dominate the Satellite IoT Market

Based on frequency band, the satellite IoT market is segmented into L band, Ku band, Ka band, and other frequency bands. In 2024, the Ku band segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 40.0% of the satellite IoT market. The segment’s large share is attributed to the increasing adoption of the Ku band due to lower spectrum costs, the growing use of the Ku band for short-range and high-resolution imaging capabilities, and the rising use of the Ku band in smart energy, smart water, and smart power applications.

Moreover, this segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

By Organization Size: In 2024, the Large Enterprises Segment to Dominate the Satellite IoT Market

Based on organization size, the satellite IoT market is segmented into small & medium-sized enterprises and large enterprises. In 2024, the large enterprises segment is expected to account for the larger share of above 75.0% of the satellite IoT market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing adoption of satellite IoT technology among large enterprises to reduce their operational costs & environmental footprint, the growing use of satellite IoT for remote sensing & navigation and maritime & transport management, and the rising need to reduce on-site maintenance and inspections.

However, the small & medium-sized enterprises segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing adoption of satellite IoT technology to track, monitor, and manage assets and the rising need for increased operational efficiency among SMEs.

By Sector: In 2024, the Military & Defense Segment to Dominate the Satellite IoT Market

Based on sector, the satellite IoT market is segmented into agriculture, construction, utilities, oil & gas, military & defense, transportation & logistics, maritime, and other sectors. In 2024, the military & defense segment is expected to account for the largest share of above 37.0% of the satellite IoT market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the rising need for enhanced connectivity in remote & harsh environments and the growing need for improved situational awareness in military & defense. Satellite IoT is making a significant impact in the military sector by utilizing sensors and devices that enhance situational awareness, streamline complex procedures, and ultimately improve the success rate of defense operations.

However, the agriculture segment is projected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing need for satellite IoT services to provide real-time data about environment temperature, soil, and water content; the growing need to enhance the effectiveness of pesticides & fertilizers, and enhancing herd management; and increasing deployment of satellite IoT services for irrigation management.

In 2024, North America Region to Dominate the Satellite IoT Market

In 2024, North America is expected to account for the largest share of above 49.0% of the satellite IoT market. North America’s large market share is attributed to the presence of leading satellite IoT providers across the region, efforts by leading companies to launch new satellite IoT solutions, and the increasing adoption of satellite IoT in precision farming and smart greenhouses.

However, Asia-Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR of above 19.0% during the forecast period. The fast growth of this region is driven by the infrastructural growth in APAC, especially in China, South Korea, Japan, and India; the rapid growth of regional economies; the growing technological advancements; growing awareness regarding satellite IoT among small and medium-sized organizations; and rising need for direct-to-satellite services in smart agriculture and marine space. Furthermore, the growing adoption of the Ka-band in military aircraft, space telescopes, and vehicle speed detection systems, growing wireless networking systems, and growing demand for bandwidth to increase transmission capacity and data transfer rates are expected to improve the demand for satellite IoT services, in turn supporting the growth of the market.

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the satellite IoT market are Iridium Communications Inc. (U.S.) Astrocast SA (Switzerland), Airbus SE (Netherlands), Globalstar, Inc. (U.S.), Thales (France), Eutelsat Communications S.A (Italy), Thuraya Telecommunications Company (UAE), Vodafone Group Plc (U.K.), Inmarsat Global Limited (U.K.), ORBCOMM Inc. (U.S.), Swarm Technologies Inc. (U.S.), Alén Space, S.L. (Spain), Fossa Systems, S.L. (Spain), SATELIO IOT SERVICES, S.L. (Spain), and OQ Technology (Luxembourg).

Satellite IoT Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In June 2023, Eutelsat Communications S.A. (Italy) partnered with Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company PJSC (UAE) to upgrade its Direct-to-Home satellite services across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
• In December 2022, Iridium Communications Inc. (U.S.) launched Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT), a two-way cloud-native networked data service optimized for use over Iridium Certus and designed to make it easier to add satellite connections to existing or new IoT solutions.
• In December 2022, Globalstar, Inc. (U.S.) signed an agreement with Wiagro (Argentina) to supply IOT transmitters for Agtech applications. Globalstar supplies 2,500 ST100 satellite modem transmitters for their Smart Silobag, which allows for the remote monitoring of grain conditions stored in silo bags.