Can satellite connectivity help mobile IoT reach for the stars?

B2B has emerged as a strategic growth area for operators and the wider tech/digital ecosystem. As the digital transformation of vertical sectors accelerates, gaining insights directly from enterprises is key. GSMA Intelligence surveyed more than 350 enterprises across China, from 10 vertical sectors, to gain insight into their digital transformation. The research focused on strategic objectives, investment plans, use of technology, deployment challenges, supplier decisions, tech sovereignty, and policy and regulation.

SpaceX’s Q3 results have reinforced the scale of its ambitions. AI revenue has risen by eight times over the same period in 2025, though Starlink remains the group’s key profit engine. SpaceX reaffirmed its ambition to architect a national-scale US mobile network by leveraging small cells (sometimes called femtocells) and potentially tower assets via leases. The recent acquisition of Grain Management’s 800 MHz spectrum is an important enabler and signal of intent. GSMA Intelligence remains sceptical of the efficacy of this approach for a variety of reasons, but as a bona fide disruptor, the prospect is now likely a matter of when, not if.

SpaceX’s Q2 results highlight Starlink’s expanding role, with connectivity revenue up 66% year on year to $4.3 billion. Meanwhile, Rocket Lab’s proposed acquisition of Iridium underscores a broader shift towards vertical integration as satellite players seek greater control over spacecraft, launch, constellation operations and connectivity economics. Sovereignty is also emerging as a critical differentiator and reshaping the competitive landscape, making spectrum access, regulatory alignment, local infrastructure and operator integration increasingly important alongside scale, coverage and cost.