Satellite and NTN tracker, Q3 2025

Q3 2025 saw further trials of direct-to-device (D2D) offerings from telcos, with Rogers in Canada the latest to launch. Examining the trials, it is clear that initial services will focus on SMS and, in some cases, voice. Both are low bandwidth and within the bounds of the spectral capacity available. Commercial pricing models from operators are taking a hybrid approach: satellite as a free perk for the highest paying premium customers, with a paid bolt-on for everyone else. 

Starlink has now launched just under 8,000 satellites, equating to almost 70% of its initial constellation. Excluding the three major Chinese constellations, Starlink controls 85–90% of the communication satellites in orbit and a similar share of non-terrestrial network (NTN) capacity. Maintaining a market-leading position is far from a done deal, given that NTNs are a long game. AST SpaceMobile, Lynk, Kuiper and several global-scale constellation providers  are launching offerings in 2025 and 2026. However, these companies are playing catch-up