Asia-Pacific Satellite Internet Market Report 2025-2032 Released
CAGR Could Exceed 50 Percent by 2030
According to a new report from Idem Est Research, satellite broadband connectivity in the Asia-Pacific region has seen rapid growth driven by the region's unique geography, increasing demand for internet access, and advancements in technology. Key factors in this evolution include technological innovations, changes in regulations, and the drive of industry players.
The report estimates that in terms of revenue, the research estimates that satellite Internet operators will generate over $1 billion million in 2024 following Starlink's regional launch. This figure is forecasted to grow significantly by 2030, with an average annual growth rate of 50.2%. However, the growth of the satellite broadband market is intertwined with regulatory challenges and the limited availability of spectrum.
As demand for spectral frequencies grows, competition becomes fierce. Different nations have unique regulatory frameworks, and navigating these regulations is challenging. Satellite broadband providers face stringent rules to prevent interference with existing services. Thus, entering this market means not just having the technology but also understanding various licensing requirements. As the need for spectrum resources grows with technological advancements, efficient strategies, international collaborations, and dynamic allocation will be essential in the next decade.
Starlink, under SpaceX aims to provide global high-speed, low-latency internet connectivity via a satellite constellation in low Earth orbit (LEO). As of September 2023, over 5,000 satellites have been launched out of a proposed 12,000 to 42,000, with launches happening every 4-5 days. Each satellite has a lifespan of approximately 3.5 years. An upcoming "Gen 2" network promises enhanced speeds and user capacity.
In just 3 years, Starlink has become the leading entity in the global broadband satellite market. The report states that by September 2023, Starlink had nearly 4 million subscribers globally, with the largest markets being in North America and about 430k subscribers in the Asia Pacific region.
In the Asia-Pacific region, Starlink has formed partnerships with companies like KDDI in Japan, Data Lake and PT&T in the Philippines and Telstra, Vocus, and Optus in Australia for various services such as 4G & 5G backhaul and broadband resale.
Satellite broadband's potential in the Asia Pacific is immense. By diving deep into its market dynamics, socioeconomic impacts, environmental considerations, technological evolution, and the importance of policies and collaboration, this report offers a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges the region faces.
In 2023, there were approximately 616k satellite broadband subscribers in the region. Australia had the most subscribers, where Starlink dominated, taking users from NBN. India came second with legacy providers like Hughes Communications and Nelco with significant subscribers. By December 2023, Starlink had launched in 60 countries globally, with a significant presence in the Asia Pacific.