SATELLITE TELEPHONES MARKET ANALYSIS

Market News

Global Satellite Telephones Market: Key Developments

• In July 2019, UbiquitiLink, a satellite startup, launched its prototype model into space with a focus on cellphone service, with the aim of placing small satellites into orbit to connect seamlessly to any mobile phone, without any changes being made to the phones themselves. The company has received investments from Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund and Blazar Ventures near about USD 12 million. The company has patented its technology which allows ordinary cellphones to use satellites like cell towers, bringing cheap messaging to millions.
• In November 2018, Thuraya, a Russian company who manufactures satellite phones, has launched its latest model named as X5-Touch. It is the world’s smallest satellite smartphone. The new satellite smartphone has been launched in 160 countries around the world.
• In November 2018, Roadpost USA Inc., a mobile satellite services (MSS) and equipment provider, acquired Satellite Phones Direct LLC that provides MSS to consumer and enterprise customers. It has acquired substantially all the assets of Satellite Phones Direct, including the company’s trade name, subscriber base and website.
• In July 2018, Iridium, a satellite phone services and other communications provider, launched its latest ten satellites from the American company’s second-generation network into orbit which was deployed by SpaceX, to offer enhanced connectivity and broadband speeds its customers in hard-to-access areas. Iridium now has 65 new NEXT satellites in the sky.
• In May 2017, BSNL collaborated with INMARSAT, a London-based satellite services company to provide satellite-based telecom services across the nation. BSNL and Inmarsat opened a new Indian GSPS gateway which uses Inmarsat’s fourth-generation constellation to provide satellite phone services.