Network vendors are leading the charge in this shift. Notably, Nokia teamed up with AST SpaceMobile, consequently achieving the world's first space-based 5G cellular broadband connection, while simultaneously providing connectivity to underserved regions around the world. Companies like Apple, Huawei, ZTE, Qualcomm, Motorola, MediaTek, and Iridium have also formed strategic partnerships within the cellular mobile and satellite industries, indicating the upcoming introduction of satellite communications into the mainstream consumer market. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia's CST led the region's first successful NTN trials in 2024, testing smart devices connected via 5G-compatible satellites. This effort complements UAE-based du and SES 's initiative, where SES's medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites enabled 5G backhaul for enterprise use in remote areas like offshore oil fields.