How High Throughput Satellites Are Shaping the Future of Connectivity

High Throughput Satellites (HTS) are moving into a decisive stage of evolution marked by unprecedented growth, technological shifts, and changing competitive dynamics. According to the latest edition of Euroconsult’s High Throughput Satellites market report, global HTS capacity is set to expand at an exceptional pace over the coming years, fundamentally altering how satellite communications are delivered worldwide.

Over the next five years, total HTS capacity supply is forecast to grow at an average annual rate of approximately 45%, exceeding 60 terabits per second. This surge is being driven primarily by the rapid deployment of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) broadband constellations, which are expected to represent nearly 90% of total HTS capacity by 2026. This marks a sharp departure from the historical dominance of geostationary (GEO) satellite systems.

A major catalyst behind this shift has been the aggressive rollout of low Earth orbit (LEO) networks, particularly SpaceX’s Starlink constellation. Its large-scale launch cadence enabled a dramatic expansion of global HTS capacity in 2021 alone. Additional NGSO systems, including OneWeb and SES’s O3b mPOWER, are positioned to begin delivering services as their constellations reach operational readiness.

Despite the impressive capacity projections, Euroconsult cautions that not all planned NGSO bandwidth can be monetized immediately. Regulatory approvals, national market access, and the gradual deployment of gateway infrastructure continue to influence how quickly operators can commercialize available capacity.

While capital investment increasingly favors NGSO architectures, the GEO-HTS segment remains active. Growth in this segment is expected to continue at a steadier pace, supported by next-generation satellites designed to mitigate risk and enhance flexibility. In response to heightened competition, GEO operators are increasingly adopting software-defined satellite platforms, enabling in-orbit reconfiguration and more agile service offerings. In recent years, such architectures have accounted for a majority of new GEO-HTS orders.

From a market perspective, HTS technology is becoming a key tool in addressing the digital divide, particularly in underserved and remote regions. Advances in performance and scale are making satellite broadband more competitive with terrestrial alternatives such as mobile hotspots and legacy DSL infrastructure.

Demand for HTS capacity is projected to grow strongly through 2030, averaging close to 30% annually, with consumer broadband services representing the largest share of new demand. However, declining unit pricing means total revenue growth is expected to lag behind capacity expansion. As a result, many operators are shifting focus toward direct-to-user services rather than relying solely on wholesale capacity leasing.

Geographically, HTS demand is expected to become more evenly distributed across regions. While North America currently accounts for a large share of global usage, its relative contribution is projected to decline as NGSO systems deliver truly global coverage.

Overall, Euroconsult’s analysis points to a thriving but increasingly competitive HTS market—one where innovation, scale, and service integration will define long-term success. High Throughput Satellites are no longer a niche solution but a core component of the global connectivity ecosystem.