NTN 컨버전스

DIGITIMES believes that non-terrestrial networks (NTN) will serve as a foundational pillar in the transition toward 6G, integrating satellite, aerial, and terrestrial systems to enable seamless global connectivity. However, due to the high deployment costs, complex spectrum coordination, and limited interoperability among systems, large-scale commercial adoption is expected to progress gradually over the next 3-5 years. From 2029 onward, as standardization under 3GPP matures and component costs decline, NTN-enabled services-spanning low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, high-altitude platforms (HAPS), and integrated ground networks-are anticipated to enter a phase of accelerated growth.

As the mobile communications industry advances into the 6G era, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) have emerged as a pivotal area of market and technological development. Guided by 3GPP Release 17 and subsequent iterations, NTN aims to transcend traditional terrestrial boundaries by integrating low- and high-altitude platform stations (LAPS/HAPS) with low-, medium-, and geostationary-orbit satellites (LEO/MEO/GEO). The objective is to deliver ubiquitous, high-reliability connectivity that complements terrestrial infrastructure and fulfills the 6G vision of global coverage.

This report analyzes technological advancements, standards, and industrial dynamics shaping the NTN ecosystem, with specific insights into the U.S., Europe, China, Japan, and South Korea, alongside Taiwan's supply chain positioning. The United States leads with private-sector initiatives such as SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper, while Europe emphasizes strategic autonomy and system integration. China, through Guowang and Spacesail, adopts a policy-driven approach aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, and Japan and South Korea focus on HAPS-based and vertical market applications.

In 2024, the global satellite market generated US$293 billion, led by ground equipment (53%) and service revenues (37%). Despite strong growth potential, challenges persist in cost efficiency, spectrum management, and viable business models. For Taiwan, establishing regional testing centers, advancing communication chip and antenna technologies, and promoting public-private collaboration will be critical to anchoring its role in the Asia-Pacific NTN supply chain.

Table of Contents

Executive summary

Contents

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Key takeaways

Chapter 1: NTN definition and standardization development trends

• 1.1. 5G-A/6G networks integrate satellite and aerial communications
• 1.2. Comparison of 3GPP NTN platform features and uses
• 1.3. Evolving co-opetition relationships between mobile and satellite communications
• 1.4. 3GPP definition for NTN deployment models

Chapter 2: NTN market applications and the current development status of major economies

• 2.1. NTN application scenarios and operating models
• 2.2. Current status of NTN in major economies

Chapter 3: Satellite communication supply chain analysis

• 3.1. D2D satellite service market forecast
• 3.2. Key components and suppliers
• 3.3. Summary: Analysis of satellite supply chain/market competition

Chapter 4: DIGITIMES perspective: Opportunities and challenges of NTN communication

• 4.1. Possible challenges for the current stage of 3GPP NTN deployment
• 4.2. Major satellite communication market prospects: US, Europe, and China
• 4.3. Recommendations for Taiwan's satellite supply chain

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