NSR estimates the global Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) market will grow from 1.8 million in-service units in 2005 to more than 6.7 million units by the end of 2012, the company announced.

The reach and coverage of MSS has broadened and should continue to grow as about 60 satellites are slated to be placed into orbit throughout the next five years, according to “Mobile Satellite Services, 3rd Edition,” released June 26.

L-band equipment will dominate the market, which could be valued at $7.1 billion by 2012, the end of the study period. Ku-band and, to a lesser extent, C-band equipment will see incremental growth throughout this period.

Narrowband services will remain the major MSS growth area, with more than 4.5 million units projected to be in service by 2012, NSR said. Handhelds will make up nearly half of the total overall base, NSR asserts.