6G & Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Market Report 2026: Revenues to Surpass $9.66 Billion - Exploding Demand for ' Always-On' Coverage and Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity in Mobile Dead Zones

Dublin, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "6G & Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Market Report 2026-2036" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Overall world revenue for the 6G & Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Market will surpass US$9.66 billion in 2026

The 6G & Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Market Report 2026-2036 (Including Impact of U.S. Trade Tariffs): This report will prove invaluable to leading firms striving for new revenue pockets if they wish to better understand the industry and its underlying dynamics. It will be useful for companies that would like to expand into different industries or to expand their existing operations in a new region.

Exploding Demand for ' Always-On' Coverage and Direct-to-Device Satellite Connectivity in Mobile Dead Zones

One of the strongest growth engines for 6G & NTN is the simple fact that people and machines now expect connectivity everywhere, including oceans, deserts, mountains and air routes, where terrestrial networks cannot economically reach. Mobile operators are already moving in this direction using direct-to-device (D2D) satellite services that work with standard smartphones: T-Mobile's ' T-Satellite' service in the US, powered by more than 650 Starlink direct-to-cell satellites, now supports popular apps such as WhatsApp, Google Maps and X in areas with no terrestrial coverage, with phones automatically switching to satellite when the cell signal disappears.

SpaceX's Starlink and AST SpaceMobile have demonstrated real video calls and messaging directly from LEO satellites to unmodified phones, while other operators worry about being left behind if they cannot offer similar coverage. As we move toward 6G, this 'no dead zones' expectation will only intensify, making integrated terrestrial-satellite networks and NTN-ready devices a must-have, not a niche add-on, and driving sustained investment in NTN constellations, payloads, and 3GPP-compliant ground infrastructure.

High Capital Intensity, Execution Risk and Uncertain Monetisation Models for Satellite-Cellular Integration

Despite the excitement, 6G & NTN deployments require enormous capital expenditure for multi-layer constellations, launch services, ground stations, gateway upgrades, and integration into existing mobile cores, and the revenue model is still evolving. Satellite NTN stocks provide a reality check: UBS recently downgraded AST SpaceMobile from 'Buy' to 'Hold', slashing its price target because of execution risks and intensifying competition from Starlink, even while still recognising AST's long-term potential.

Meanwhile, SpaceX's US$17 billion spectrum acquisition underscores how expensive it is to secure the regulatory and spectrum assets needed to operate at scale. Monetisation models-whether per-message, per-MB, bundled with mobile plans, or offered as premium ' coverage everywhere' tiers-are still in flux, and operators must balance user willingness to pay against the high cost of capacity. If ARPU from NTN doesn't keep pace with capex and opex, some deployments may be delayed, scaled down, or refocused on niche enterprise and government segments rather than broad consumer coverage.

What would be the Impact of US Trade Tariffs on the Global 6G & Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Market?

The introduction and escalation of U.S. tariffs on advanced telecommunications equipment, semiconductors, and satellite components have introduced new complexities into the global 6G and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) ecosystem. As the U.S. seeks to safeguard its domestic supply chain and reduce dependency on foreign technology-particularly from China-tariffs have become a key instrument shaping the strategic landscape of next-generation connectivity.

These trade measures affect the cost structure, manufacturing timelines, and R&D collaboration models of companies engaged in the 6G and NTN value chain, including satellite operators, hardware manufacturers, and network infrastructure providers. The global response varies by region: allied economies such as Japan, South Korea, and the EU are reinforcing domestic production capabilities, while emerging markets are reassessing their import strategies to mitigate cost inflation. The overall market trajectory will depend on how quickly the supply chain adapts, leading to distinct recovery patterns such as V-shaped, U-shaped, or L-shaped outcomes.

Key Questions Answered

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Market Opportunities

Leading Companies Profiled

Segments Covered in the Report

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Companies Featured

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/cp6b1a

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