Key Insights
The Satellite IoT Communication Market is poised for significant expansion, with a projected market size of 1,870 million by 2025, driven by an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 19.76% during the forecast period of 2025-2033. This robust growth is fueled by the escalating demand for ubiquitous connectivity, particularly in remote and underserved regions where terrestrial networks fall short. The increasing adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT) across diverse industries like agriculture, logistics, maritime, and energy is a primary catalyst, as satellite IoT offers a reliable and scalable solution for data transmission from geographically dispersed assets. Advancements in satellite technology, including the proliferation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, are further enhancing bandwidth, reducing latency, and lowering operational costs, making satellite IoT communication more accessible and attractive.
Satellite IoT Communication Market Market Size (In Billion)
Key trends shaping this market include the growing integration of AI and machine learning for enhanced data analytics and predictive maintenance, the development of miniaturized and power-efficient IoT devices capable of satellite connectivity, and the increasing focus on specialized IoT applications such as asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and remote asset management. While the market presents immense opportunities, certain restraints, such as the initial high infrastructure costs and regulatory complexities in some regions, need to be strategically addressed. However, the compelling benefits of enhanced connectivity, improved operational efficiency, and expanded coverage are expected to outweigh these challenges, propelling the Satellite IoT Communication Market towards substantial growth and innovation in the coming years.
Satellite IoT Communication Market Company Market Share
Unlock unparalleled insights into the rapidly evolving Satellite IoT Communication Market with this in-depth research report. Spanning from 2019 to 2033, this study provides a meticulous analysis of market dynamics, technological advancements, and competitive landscapes. This report offers actionable intelligence for stakeholders seeking to capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities within the global satellite IoT ecosystem. With a base year of 2025 and a forecast period of 2025–2033, this report captures the critical shifts and future trajectory of this transformative industry.
Satellite IoT Communication Market Market Structure & Competitive Dynamics
The Satellite IoT Communication Market is characterized by a dynamic and evolving structure, marked by increasing innovation and strategic consolidation. Market concentration is observed to be moderate, with key players vying for dominance through technological superiority and expanded service offerings. The innovation ecosystem is robust, driven by advancements in satellite technology, miniaturization of components, and the development of sophisticated ground infrastructure. Regulatory frameworks are progressively adapting to accommodate the surge in satellite deployments, particularly for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. Product substitutes, while present in terrestrial connectivity, are increasingly being complemented by satellite IoT for pervasive coverage in remote and underserved areas. End-user trends are heavily influenced by the demand for real-time data, enhanced connectivity in harsh environments, and the growing adoption of Industry 4.0 solutions. Merger and acquisition (M&A) activities are a significant aspect of market consolidation, with strategic acquisitions aimed at expanding service portfolios, acquiring technological capabilities, and gaining market share. For instance, recent M&A deals have focused on integrating satellite communication with terrestrial networks and enhancing data analytics platforms. The market share of leading players is continuously being reshaped by these strategic moves, with M&A deal values often reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, reflecting the significant investment and growth potential within the sector.
Satellite IoT Communication Market Industry Trends & Insights
The Satellite IoT Communication Market is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of approximately 18.5% from 2025 to 2033. This robust expansion is fueled by several interconnected industry trends and insights. The relentless demand for ubiquitous connectivity, particularly in remote, rural, and maritime environments where terrestrial infrastructure is scarce or non-existent, stands as a primary growth driver. Technological disruptions, including the proliferation of LEO constellations offering lower latency and higher bandwidth, are fundamentally reshaping the market's capabilities. Furthermore, the miniaturization and cost reduction of satellite technology are making satellite IoT solutions more accessible to a wider range of industries. Consumer preferences are shifting towards seamless and reliable connectivity, irrespective of location, driving the adoption of satellite-enabled IoT devices for applications ranging from asset tracking and environmental monitoring to smart agriculture and disaster management. Competitive dynamics are intensifying, with both established satellite operators and new entrants investing heavily in network expansion and service innovation. The increasing deployment of SmallSats and CubeSats is democratizing access to space-based IoT, fostering a more diverse and competitive landscape. Market penetration is steadily increasing across various sectors, as businesses recognize the strategic advantage of a comprehensive connectivity strategy that includes satellite IoT. The integration of AI and machine learning with satellite data analytics further enhances the value proposition, enabling more predictive and proactive decision-making.
Dominant Markets & Segments in Satellite IoT Communication Market
The Satellite IoT Communication Market is witnessing significant dominance from the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) segment within the Type of Orbit segmentation. This dominance is underpinned by several key drivers, including lower latency, higher bandwidth capabilities, and the rapid deployment of large constellations by innovative companies. Economic policies favoring the development of space infrastructure and the creation of satellite manufacturing hubs are also playing a crucial role.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO): The LEO segment is expected to continue its strong growth trajectory, driven by its inherent advantages for real-time IoT applications. The increasing number of LEO satellites being launched provides near-global coverage and significantly reduced communication delays compared to Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites. This makes LEO ideal for applications requiring instant data transmission, such as autonomous vehicle tracking, remote asset monitoring, and emergency communications. The development of advanced propulsion systems and satellite miniaturization technologies further supports the cost-effective deployment and maintenance of LEO constellations. Regulatory frameworks are also increasingly accommodating LEO deployments, recognizing their potential to bridge the digital divide. The market penetration of LEO-based satellite IoT services is projected to outpace other orbital segments due to these factors.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): While currently a smaller segment compared to LEO, MEO orbits offer a balance between coverage and latency. MEO constellations are being developed to provide robust connectivity for applications that do not require the ultra-low latency of LEO but benefit from wider coverage areas. These orbits are often utilized for navigation and communication services.
Geostationary Orbit (GEO): GEO satellites, while offering vast coverage areas from a single satellite, suffer from higher latency due to their distance from Earth. This makes them less ideal for real-time IoT applications. However, GEO remains crucial for broadcasting, fixed satellite services, and for providing continuous connectivity over specific geographical regions. The recent launch of high-performance GEO satellites like the Amazonas Nexus by Hispasat signifies continued innovation and investment in this segment, particularly for high-speed internet access in previously underserved areas.
Satellite IoT Communication Market Product Innovations
Product innovations in the Satellite IoT Communication Market are primarily focused on enhancing the performance, affordability, and accessibility of satellite-based connectivity solutions. Advancements in antenna technology, including flat-panel and phased-array antennas, are enabling smaller, more efficient, and cost-effective user terminals. The development of Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) and modular satellite payloads allows for greater flexibility and adaptability in satellite communication systems. Furthermore, the integration of AI and machine learning algorithms into satellite payloads and ground segments is enabling intelligent data processing and proactive network management. These innovations are driving new applications across various industries, such as enhanced precision agriculture, remote healthcare monitoring, and real-time environmental sensing. The competitive advantage lies in offering integrated solutions that combine robust connectivity with advanced data analytics, catering to the specific needs of diverse end-users.
Report Segmentation & Scope
This comprehensive report segments the Satellite IoT Communication Market based on the Type of Orbit, providing detailed analysis for:
Low Earth Orbit (LEO): This segment is characterized by numerous small satellites operating at altitudes between 160 and 2,000 kilometers. LEO offers the lowest latency and is projected to witness significant market share growth due to its suitability for real-time IoT applications. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with new constellations constantly being deployed.
Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Operating at altitudes between 2,000 and 35,786 kilometers, MEO satellites provide a balance between coverage and latency. This segment is expected to see steady growth as it caters to applications requiring moderate latency and broad coverage.
Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Positioned at approximately 35,786 kilometers above the equator, GEO satellites offer continuous coverage over a specific region. While latency is a challenge for real-time IoT, this segment remains vital for broadcasting and fixed satellite services, with ongoing innovations aiming to improve its applicability for certain IoT use cases.
Key Drivers of Satellite IoT Communication Market Growth
The growth of the Satellite IoT Communication Market is propelled by a confluence of technological, economic, and regulatory factors. Technologically, the advent of LEO mega-constellations has dramatically reduced latency and increased bandwidth, making satellite IoT a viable alternative to terrestrial networks for numerous applications. Economically, the increasing demand for connectivity in underserved regions, coupled with the declining cost of satellite technology and launch services, is driving market expansion. Regulatory frameworks are evolving to support the deployment of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), facilitating the integration of satellite IoT into global communication infrastructures. The growing adoption of Industry 4.0 principles, which rely heavily on real-time data from connected devices, further fuels the demand for reliable and pervasive IoT solutions.
Challenges in the Satellite IoT Communication Market Sector
Despite its promising growth, the Satellite IoT Communication Market faces several challenges. Regulatory hurdles, including spectrum allocation and licensing complexities across different jurisdictions, can impede rapid deployment. Supply chain issues, particularly concerning the availability of specialized components and manufacturing capacity for satellites and ground equipment, can lead to delays and increased costs. Competitive pressures from terrestrial network providers, as well as among satellite operators themselves, necessitate continuous innovation and cost optimization. Furthermore, ensuring cybersecurity for distributed IoT networks and managing the increasing volume of space debris are critical concerns that require robust solutions. The initial capital investment for building and launching satellite constellations can also be a significant barrier to entry for smaller players.
Leading Players in the Satellite IoT Communication Market Market
- Iridium Communications Inc
- Orbcomm
- Inmarsat Global Limited
- Viasat Inc
- Cobham Limited
- Fleet Space Technologies Private Limited
- L3Harris Technologies
- Globalstar Inc
- Boeing
Key Developments in Satellite IoT Communication Market Sector
October 2023: An SAR1 billion (USD 266.6 million) contract was signed with a Hong Kong space company to establish satellite manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia. This strategic move will see ASPACE increase its investment in R&D, component production, subsystems, and final assembly of satellites, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global manufacturing hub and enhancing its space capabilities.
February 2023: Hispasat launched the Amazonas Nexus, a high-performance geostationary satellite designed to provide high-speed internet connectivity across the Americas and off-the-grid locations. This launch signifies a new era in satellite communications, aiming to bridge the digital divide effectively, especially for maritime and aviation sectors.
February 2023: Cobham Satcom and RBC Signals extended their agreement to deploy Cobham Satcom's Tracker 6000 and 3700 series ground stations globally. This partnership will significantly expand RBC Signals' ground network, offering integrated communication services for Non-Geostationary Orbit (NGSO) missions, including Earth Observation, IoT, and Space Situational Awareness.
Strategic Satellite IoT Communication Market Market Outlook
The strategic outlook for the Satellite IoT Communication Market remains exceptionally strong, driven by increasing global demand for pervasive and reliable connectivity. Growth accelerators include the ongoing expansion of LEO constellations, which are democratizing access to high-speed, low-latency internet for a wider range of applications. The integration of satellite IoT with emerging technologies such as 5G, artificial intelligence, and edge computing presents significant opportunities for developing sophisticated, end-to-end solutions. Strategic partnerships and M&A activities are expected to continue shaping the competitive landscape, fostering consolidation and driving innovation. The increasing focus on sustainable and resilient communication infrastructure, particularly in the face of climate change and geopolitical uncertainties, further bolsters the market's long-term potential. The market is poised for continued expansion, driven by its critical role in enabling remote operations, enhancing data analytics, and bridging the global digital divide.
Satellite IoT Communication Market Segmentation
-
1. Type of Orbit
- 1.1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- 1.2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
- 1.3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
Satellite IoT Communication Market Segmentation By Geography
- 1. North America
- 2. Europe
- 3. Asia Pacific
- 4. Rest of the World
Satellite IoT Communication Market Regional Market Share
Geographic Coverage of Satellite IoT Communication Market
Satellite IoT Communication Market REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
| Aspects | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 2020-2034 |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Estimated Year | 2026 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2034 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Growth Rate | CAGR of 19.76% from 2020-2034 |
| Segmentation |
|
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 1.1. Research Scope
- 1.2. Market Segmentation
- 1.3. Research Methodology
- 1.4. Definitions and Assumptions
- 2. Executive Summary
- 2.1. Introduction
- 3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Introduction
- 3.2. Market Drivers
- 3.2.1. Development and Growth of 5G Wireless Connectivity; Considerable Investments in the LEO Satellite Constellations
- 3.3. Market Restrains
- 3.3.1. Safety Concerns Associated with the Use of Surgical Robots; High Initial and Maintenance Costs of the Equipment
- 3.4. Market Trends
- 3.4.1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) drives the Growth of the Satellite IoT Communication
- 4. Market Factor Analysis
- 4.1. Porters Five Forces
- 4.2. Supply/Value Chain
- 4.3. PESTEL analysis
- 4.4. Market Entropy
- 4.5. Patent/Trademark Analysis
- 5. Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 5.1.1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- 5.1.2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
- 5.1.3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
- 5.2. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Region
- 5.2.1. North America
- 5.2.2. Europe
- 5.2.3. Asia Pacific
- 5.2.4. Rest of the World
- 5.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 6. North America Satellite IoT Communication Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 6.1.1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- 6.1.2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
- 6.1.3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
- 6.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 7. Europe Satellite IoT Communication Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 7.1.1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- 7.1.2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
- 7.1.3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
- 7.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 8. Asia Pacific Satellite IoT Communication Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 8.1.1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- 8.1.2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
- 8.1.3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
- 8.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 9. Rest of the World Satellite IoT Communication Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast, 2020-2032
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 9.1.1. Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
- 9.1.2. Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
- 9.1.3. Geostationary Orbit (GEO)
- 9.1. Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast - by Type of Orbit
- 10. Competitive Analysis
- 10.1. Global Market Share Analysis 2025
- 10.2. Company Profiles
- 10.2.1 Iridium Communications Inc
- 10.2.1.1. Overview
- 10.2.1.2. Products
- 10.2.1.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.1.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.1.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.2 Orbcomm
- 10.2.2.1. Overview
- 10.2.2.2. Products
- 10.2.2.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.2.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.2.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.3 Inmarsat Global Limited
- 10.2.3.1. Overview
- 10.2.3.2. Products
- 10.2.3.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.3.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.3.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.4 Viasat Inc
- 10.2.4.1. Overview
- 10.2.4.2. Products
- 10.2.4.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.4.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.4.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.5 Cobham Limited
- 10.2.5.1. Overview
- 10.2.5.2. Products
- 10.2.5.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.5.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.5.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.6 Fleet Space Technologies Private Limited
- 10.2.6.1. Overview
- 10.2.6.2. Products
- 10.2.6.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.6.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.6.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.7 L3Harris Technologies*List Not Exhaustive
- 10.2.7.1. Overview
- 10.2.7.2. Products
- 10.2.7.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.7.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.7.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.8 Globalstar Inc
- 10.2.8.1. Overview
- 10.2.8.2. Products
- 10.2.8.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.8.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.8.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.9 Boeing
- 10.2.9.1. Overview
- 10.2.9.2. Products
- 10.2.9.3. SWOT Analysis
- 10.2.9.4. Recent Developments
- 10.2.9.5. Financials (Based on Availability)
- 10.2.1 Iridium Communications Inc
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Breakdown (Million, %) by Region 2025 & 2033
- Figure 2: North America Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue (Million), by Type of Orbit 2025 & 2033
- Figure 3: North America Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Share (%), by Type of Orbit 2025 & 2033
- Figure 4: North America Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 5: North America Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 6: Europe Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue (Million), by Type of Orbit 2025 & 2033
- Figure 7: Europe Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Share (%), by Type of Orbit 2025 & 2033
- Figure 8: Europe Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 9: Europe Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 10: Asia Pacific Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue (Million), by Type of Orbit 2025 & 2033
- Figure 11: Asia Pacific Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Share (%), by Type of Orbit 2025 & 2033
- Figure 12: Asia Pacific Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 13: Asia Pacific Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 14: Rest of the World Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue (Million), by Type of Orbit 2025 & 2033
- Figure 15: Rest of the World Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Share (%), by Type of Orbit 2025 & 2033
- Figure 16: Rest of the World Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue (Million), by Country 2025 & 2033
- Figure 17: Rest of the World Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Share (%), by Country 2025 & 2033
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Type of Orbit 2020 & 2033
- Table 2: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Region 2020 & 2033
- Table 3: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Type of Orbit 2020 & 2033
- Table 4: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 5: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Type of Orbit 2020 & 2033
- Table 6: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 7: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Type of Orbit 2020 & 2033
- Table 8: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
- Table 9: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Type of Orbit 2020 & 2033
- Table 10: Global Satellite IoT Communication Market Revenue Million Forecast, by Country 2020 & 2033
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of the Satellite IoT Communication Market?
The projected CAGR is approximately 19.76%.
2. Which companies are prominent players in the Satellite IoT Communication Market?
Key companies in the market include Iridium Communications Inc, Orbcomm, Inmarsat Global Limited, Viasat Inc, Cobham Limited, Fleet Space Technologies Private Limited, L3Harris Technologies*List Not Exhaustive, Globalstar Inc, Boeing.
3. What are the main segments of the Satellite IoT Communication Market?
The market segments include Type of Orbit.
4. Can you provide details about the market size?
The market size is estimated to be USD 1.87 Million as of 2022.
5. What are some drivers contributing to market growth?
Development and Growth of 5G Wireless Connectivity; Considerable Investments in the LEO Satellite Constellations.
6. What are the notable trends driving market growth?
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) drives the Growth of the Satellite IoT Communication.
7. Are there any restraints impacting market growth?
Safety Concerns Associated with the Use of Surgical Robots; High Initial and Maintenance Costs of the Equipment.
8. Can you provide examples of recent developments in the market?
October 2023 - An SAR1 billion (USD 266.6 million) contract has been signed with the Hong Kong space company, which will set up satellite manufacturing facilities in Saudi Arabia. ASPACE will continue to increase its investment in line with the project phases, including R&D, component production, subsystems, and final assembly of satellites, as the Kingdom cements its position as a global manufacturing hub for foreign companies. By investing in advanced satellites, which represent 70% of the global satellite market, this deal will ensure that ASPACE is leveraging the strategically located region to improve its space capabilities.
9. What pricing options are available for accessing the report?
Pricing options include single-user, multi-user, and enterprise licenses priced at USD 4750, USD 5250, and USD 8750 respectively.
10. Is the market size provided in terms of value or volume?
The market size is provided in terms of value, measured in Million.
11. Are there any specific market keywords associated with the report?
Yes, the market keyword associated with the report is "Satellite IoT Communication Market," which aids in identifying and referencing the specific market segment covered.
12. How do I determine which pricing option suits my needs best?
The pricing options vary based on user requirements and access needs. Individual users may opt for single-user licenses, while businesses requiring broader access may choose multi-user or enterprise licenses for cost-effective access to the report.
13. Are there any additional resources or data provided in the Satellite IoT Communication Market report?
While the report offers comprehensive insights, it's advisable to review the specific contents or supplementary materials provided to ascertain if additional resources or data are available.
14. How can I stay updated on further developments or reports in the Satellite IoT Communication Market?
To stay informed about further developments, trends, and reports in the Satellite IoT Communication Market, consider subscribing to industry newsletters, following relevant companies and organizations, or regularly checking reputable industry news sources and publications.
Methodology
Step 1 - Identification of Relevant Samples Size from Population Database
Step 2 - Approaches for Defining Global Market Size (Value, Volume* & Price*)
Note*: In applicable scenarios
Step 3 - Data Sources
Primary Research
- Web Analytics
- Survey Reports
- Research Institute
- Latest Research Reports
- Opinion Leaders
Secondary Research
- Annual Reports
- White Paper
- Latest Press Release
- Industry Association
- Paid Database
- Investor Presentations
Step 4 - Data Triangulation
Involves using different sources of information in order to increase the validity of a study
These sources are likely to be stakeholders in a program - participants, other researchers, program staff, other community members, and so on.
Then we put all data in single framework & apply various statistical tools to find out the dynamic on the market.
During the analysis stage, feedback from the stakeholder groups would be compared to determine areas of agreement as well as areas of divergence