Direct-to-satellite report indicates decision-maker interest

A new global survey of 600 industrial IoT decision-makers suggests that direct-to-device satellite connectivity is shifting from an early concept to something companies are now planning to buy. Respondents came from sectors including agriculture, energy, transport, mining, and utilities, and were asked about their use of non-terrestrial networks.

The report highlights 3GPP Release 17 as a key turning point, as it formally adds support for non-terrestrial networks into the cellular standards used by industry. That technical backing appears to be giving organisations enough confidence to move from exploratory discussions toward concrete procurement plans for satellite links directly to IoT devices.