Mobile connectivity used to depend on terrestrial infrastructures, such as cell towers. Where coverage was unavailable, whether in remote locations, at sea, or in the air, connectivity often required specialized satellite equipment. This created gaps in areas with low population density, challenging terrain, or where expanding terrestrial infrastructure was not economically viable.

Customers accepted those limitations for years. Today, however, expectations have changed. Customers do not care whether connectivity comes from a cell tower, Wi Fi network, satellite, or another technology. They simply expect to be connected.

Luckily, satellite communications are becoming a practical way to extend connectivity.

Closing the gap with NTNs

Satellites are helping to eliminate the gap between those expectations and the realities of traditional network coverage. By extending connectivity beyond the reach of traditional cellular networks, satellites can help operators deliver service in locations that previously had limited or no service, as newer mobile devices can connect to satellite-enabled services without dedicated equipment.

Much of this innovation is enabled through non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), which use satellite-based infrastructure to complement terrestrial networks and extend connectivity beyond conventional coverage areas. Advances in 5G standards are also helping terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks work together, reducing the reliance on proprietary satellite technologies and making it possible to support connectivity through standard devices and modems. This convergence is moving satellite communications beyond specialized applications and into a broader connectivity ecosystem. For a deeper look at how NTNs are reshaping the telecom landscape, read Capgemini’s The role of non-terrestrial networks in the 5G revolution.

From coverage expansion to business opportunity

Organizations are already beginning to recognize the potential. According to the 2026 Capgemini Research Institute’s report The B2B Pulse for Telcos, 61 percent of organizations view NTNs as an opportunity to expand services into new geographic markets, while 55 percent are actively exploring NTN-based connectivity solutions. Adoption is particularly strong in the United States, where 66 percent of organizations are pursuing NTN-based connectivity, compared with 55 percent in Asia and 52 percent in Europe.

The report also highlights several use cases where satellite-enabled connectivity can help extend operations beyond the reach of traditional networks. As Neha Donald, Senior Director of Global Strategy, Transformation, and Innovation at PepsiCo, explained in the report: “NTN is emerging as a strategic enabler for remote agriculture zones, logistics routes, and rural manufacturing.” She also said satellite IoT can support precision-farming use cases such as soil and crop sensing, irrigation management, and cold-chain visibility in areas where cellular networks are weak.

These examples illustrate how the opportunity extends beyond connecting people. According to the report, 54 percent of organizations see potential for NTNs in IoT ecosystems, machine-to-machine communications, and asset tracking. As businesses increasingly rely on linked assets, sensors, and distributed operations, connectivity is becoming foundational to how they operate, monitor, and manage their environments. For telecom providers, this creates opportunities to support new enterprise use cases, expand into underserved markets, and deliver services that extend beyond traditional connectivity offerings.

As organizations increasingly seek to connect people, assets, and operations across more locations, the demand for ubiquitous connectivity will continue to grow. NTNs give providers an opportunity to extend their reach, support emerging enterprise use cases, and participate in new connectivity ecosystems. What was once viewed as a niche technology is increasingly becoming an important component of the future connectivity landscape.