88% of Telecom Leaders to Raise Satellite Spend as 5G NTN Goes Hybrid
Global – October 29, 2026 -- Some 88% of 350 telecom decision-makers surveyed plan to increase spending on satellite technologies over the next five years, according to research commissioned by ST Engineering iDirect, which is promoting hybrid architectures as the fastest route to 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) deployment.
Survey of 350 executives across seven markets shows broad satcom backing
The global survey covered mobile network operators, infrastructure providers and cloud service companies. Some 95% called satcom essential or important to seamless global connectivity, and 93% expect satellite to play a bigger role in their business.
Expanding coverage ranks high on the agenda: 22% named 5G expansion as their biggest technology focus for the next 12 months, and 19% already see 5G NTN as a future growth opportunity.