275 operator–satellite NTN partnerships in 101 countries and territories, GSA data shows
21 partnerships have already launched satellite-to-cellphone services
GSA (Global mobile Suppliers Association) today published its most up-to-date report on the global status of Non-Terrestrial 5G Networks and Satellite Connectivity. By April 2026, there were 275 publicly announced operator–satellite partnerships in 101 countries and territories. Of the 57 operators in 35 countries and territories with launched commercial offerings, satellite-to-cellphone services are driving NTN momentum with 21 partnerships in 17 countries now launched.
5G NTN is also being widely adopted to provide fixed broadband, predominantly in rural and remote areas. It makes up 38% of all identified partnerships, down from 45% in the previous edition because of the growing momentum of satellite-to-cellphone technology. As of mid-April 2026, GSA reports that 23 partnerships have resulted in launched services, a rise of two since February 2026. A further seven are currently in the evaluation, testing, trialling or licensed phase, and 75 have planned services.
The IoT and M2M segment is in the earliest stage of development, making up only 8.3% of all satellite partnerships recognised by GSA. This slow movement can be attributed to slow adoption of new technologies as a result of long IoT replacement cycle.
The latest GSA report Non-Terrestrial 5G Networks and Satellite Connectivity (May 2026) is published today. A free executive summary is available to all registered users of the GSA website. GSA Members and Associates can download the exclusive Member-only report and detailed annex of Operators’ satellite partnerships, including detailed maps, charts and tables on data such as:
- Partnerships working on satellite-based rural and enterprise broadband services, by status
- Countries and territories with partnerships for satellite-based rural and enterprise broadband, by status
- Partnerships working on satellite-to-cellphone technology, by status
- Countries and territories with satellite-to-cellphone partnerships, by status
- Countries and territories with IoT and M2M partnerships, by status
- Partnerships working on IoT and M2M services based on satellite connectivity, by status
- Publicly announced partnerships by satellite provider
- Number of satellite vendors by country or territory
- Satellite providers’ use of frequency bands
- The 3GPP radio access network road map
- Smartphones with Satellite Connectivity
Joe Barrett, President of Global mobile Suppliers Association, commented: “The number of partnerships between operators and satellite providers will continue to increase over the coming years. The need for operators to cater to people in rural areas, as well as in the event of natural disasters where terrestrial networks may be affected, will drive interest and momentum for broadband and satellite-to-cellphone technology. GSA has observed operators pursuing a multivendor approach for satellite-to-cellphone in different markets, and this growing device ecosystem and greater interest in the technology will help fuel further satellite partnerships in the year ahead.”
Full and unlimited access to the detailed data behind this report is available to all employees of GSA Member and GSA Associate organisations subscribing to the GAMBoD database. To understand more about the full benefits of becoming a GSA Associate and the breadth and depth of data in the GSA’s 7 GAMBoD databases, please visit: https://members.gsacom.com
Download your copy of the GSA Non-Terrestrial 5G Networks and Satellite Connectivity Report (May 2026) here: https://gsacom.com/paper/ntn-connectivity-may-2026/
About the data
This report draws on public information collected by the GSA, focusing on the number of announced mobile network operator and satellite provider partnerships; uses; commercial status; geographic availability; and frequency bands being earmarked for non-terrestrial network (NTN) use.