i卡會員

The global communications industry is undergoing a dual transformation, in architecture and expansion into space. As 5G commercialization is gradually maturing and competition over 6G standards is starting to unfold, different countries and industry players have shifted their focus from terrestrial optimization of bandwidth and latency to a broader vision of network coverage and footprint.

Whilst AI-native networks are reshaping terrestrial communication architectures, the maturity of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) is redefining the spatial landscape of global connectivity.

During the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC), Europe announced an investment of €116 million to advance key 6G technologies with an emphasis on the coordinated evolution of satellite and terrestrial networks. This signals that the frontier of competition in communications is no longer confined to base station density and bandwidth upgrades. Rather, it is extending to the integration of the terrestrial and satellite networks. The footprint of communications infrastructure is officially expanding from the ground to encompass earth’s orbital layers. 

NTN has become the center of attention because of its breakthroughs in standardization. In the past, satellite communications were largely closed systems, relatively independent from mobile network architectures. Today, with the inclusion of NTN in the 3GPP standards, satellites have formally become part of mobile communications. This development has made direct-to-cell (D2C) connectivity a viable business model. The integration of existing mobile spectrums and satellite frequency bands allows users to maintain basic communication capabilities in remote areas or disaster scenarios without the need for additional devices. 

Major satellite operators have embarked on strategic deployments. Starlink, the global leader in low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, is accelerating the rollout of D2C services through its extensive constellation and partnerships with telecom operators in different countries, as well as planning for next-generation satellites to enhance bandwidth and stability. AST SpaceMobile, the emerging satellite operator from the U.S., is strengthening broadband capabilities through large satellite designs, aiming to deliver performance comparable to terrestrial 4G/5G networks. Meanwhile, Lynk and SES are improving global coverage flexibility with multi-orbit integration. 

Along with the commercialization of a technology come new business models. The concept of “Space TowerCo”, drawing on the sharing mechanism of terrestrial base stations, allows multiple operators to share the same satellite infrastructure, thereby reducing deployment costs and improving spectrum efficiency. For telecom operators, satellites have become strategic assets to extend rural coverage, strengthen disaster recovery capabilities, and enhance overall network resilience. Amid rising climate risks and geopolitical uncertainties, communications resilience is increasingly regarded as a critical component of national infrastructure.

However, key challenges for NTN remain in terms of standards, spectrums, and coordination mechanisms. When satellite and terrestrial networks share or operate in adjacent frequency bands, how to prevent interference and ensure service quality is an issue that must be addressed with technologies and policy measures. Terminal equipment also needs to support these communication modes and this involves chip design and RF integration capabilities. In other words, the competition in NTN is not merely about the number of satellites deployed, but concerns the control over standards and the ability to integrate ecosystems. 

As far as the industry is concerned, NTN brings opportunities at different levels. Satellite RF (radio frequency) modules, LEO communication chips, testing and validation equipments, and terrestrial integration solutions are all poised for growth. As 6G planning gradually takes shape, companies that participate early in standardizations and cross-border collaborations will gain a first-mover advantage. Major markets in the world are also accelerating the integration of satellite and mobile networks through policy measures and funding support. 

For Taiwan, this represents a strategic opportunity for action. Given its strengths in semiconductor design and communications equipment manufacturing, Taiwan will be able to play an even more influential role in next-generation satellite and mobile network architectures if it is able to further integrate its capabilities in satellite communication chips, modules, testing and validation and deepen its participation in international standards and collaborative frameworks. This will enhance Taiwan’s visibility and voice in the global communications landscape. 

Overall, the development of NTN symbolizes a shift in the communications industry from terrestrial optimization toward holistic integration of satellite and mobile networks. In the 6G era, competition will no longer be just about speed and capacity, but will center on standardizations, spectrum coordination, and ecosystem integration. Those who can obtain leadership in integration and specifications will gain the upper hand in the reshaping of the communications industry.