SOURCE RESEARCH
Satellite Communications: Direct-to-Cellular & NTN Deployments & Subscriptions Market Data Overview: 3Q 2025
Presentation | 3Q 2025 | PT-3858
Get The ReportThe majority of satellite Direct-to-Cell (D2C) access types are currently free to users, with most major phone brands Apple, Samsung, Google, etc., supporting a free version of this service for user emergencies.
Apple phones remain the most popular and widely adopted devices with access to satellite connectivity, with over 700 million free access users/devices on the market supporting these services. The number of free access users/devices from Apple is expected to reach over 1.6 billion by 2035.
Phones from competing brands, Google, Samsung, and more, are leveraging Skylo and the Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standard for services, with over 198 million users/devices on the market in 2025. The number of users/devices with these brands is expected to increase to over 680 million free access and paid subscribers by 2035.
