Airbus and MediaTek have successfully completed the world’s first trial of 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) technology over Eutelsat OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
The milestone promises to enable seamless terrestrial and satellite network interoperability while reducing the cost of access and unlocking satellite broadband for billions of 5G devices worldwide.
Arlen Kassighian, Chief Engineering Officer at Eutelsat: “These trials show the commitment of Eutelsat Group in developing and adopting new technologies, in order to provide the best possible services to our customers, in collaboration with trusted partners.
”5G NTN will be a key feature of the IRIS2 constellation, and Eutelsat is at the forefront of this innovation and active member of the ecosystem.
”We are proud to be the first satellite operator to demonstrate the 5G air interface working on a commercial fleet in Ku-band and paving the way for new applications in future constellations.”
The trial utilised resources including MediaTek’s NR NTN test chipset, Eutelsat’s OneWeb satellite constellation, and gNB technology provided by ITRI, designed in alignment with the latest 3GPP Release 17 specifications.
Sharp and Rhode & Schwarz delivered the test equipment and antenna array, while the LEO satellites — manufactured by Airbus — featured innovative transponders with Ku-band service links, Ka-band feeder links, and advanced “Earth-moving beams” technology.
During testing, the 5G user terminal successfully connected to the 5G core via satellite link and exchanged traffic. This step demonstrated the technology’s potential to deliver next-generation 5G NTN satellite wideband connectivity on a global scale, making integration seamless for future networks.
5G NTN: Opening the door to ubiquitous connectivity
The adoption of a unified 5G standard shared by the global mobile industry is seen as a monumental step forward. Compatible satellite constellations will complement terrestrial networks, providing truly ubiquitous connectivity.
The economies of scale anticipated by this integration promise to create vast opportunities for industries such as smartphones, automotive, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
MediaTek, known for its advancements in connectivity, sees this milestone as a giant leap forward towards real-world applications.
Mingxi Fan, Head of Wireless System and ASIC Engineering at MediaTek, commented: “As a global leader in terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity, we continue in our mission to improve lives by enabling innovative technology that connects the world around us, even in areas with little to no cellular coverage.
”By making real-world connections with LEO satellites in orbit, we are now another step closer to bringing the next generation of 3GPP-based NR-NTN satellite wideband connectivity for commercial use.”
5G NTN has the potential to fill connectivity gaps in rural and remote areas, while bolstering network resilience in urban environments. With LEO satellite technology gaining momentum, the dream of uninterrupted, borderless coverage appears increasingly within reach.
Airbus played a vital role in the breakthrough. The company’s LEO satellites underpinned the trial’s success, demonstrating their flexibility and innovative design.
Elodie Viau, Head of Space Systems Engineering at Airbus, said: “Demonstrating successful 5G NTN satellite connectivity using the Airbus-built OneWeb satellites not only proves the flexibility and innovative design of the satellites but opens the prospect of true global satellite broadband connectivity for 5G devices.
”As a pioneer in space connectivity, we are actively contributing to the development of 5G NTN, and we look forward to the next stage of further integrating satellites into our everyday lives.”
Sky Space is the limit
This historic trial represents more than a technical feat; it lays the foundation for a brighter, more connected future. By enabling cost-efficient, seamless interoperability between satellite and terrestrial networks, 5G NTN technology could soon eliminate many of today’s connectivity limitations, bringing high-speed broadband access to places previously out of reach.
The potential applications are immense, ranging from connected autonomous vehicles and global IoT devices to critical infrastructure resilience during natural disasters.
With Eutelsat, MediaTek, and Airbus leveraging their expertise and pushing the boundaries of innovation, the dream of fully integrated 5G satellite-terrestrial networks is closer to reality than ever before.
(Image Credit: OneWeb)
See also: Vodafone achieves first space video call using regular smartphones
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