NTN convergence

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.