In an exciting advancement for the telecommunications industry, Eutelsat Group, MediaTek, and Airbus Defence and Space announced a successful trial of the 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. This trial marks a step towards seamlessly integrating satellite and terrestrial networks, making satellite broadband more accessible for 5G devices worldwide.
The test involved Eutelsat OneWeb’s satellites, MediaTek’s NTN test chipset, and a test gNodeB (gNB) station from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), adhering to 3GPP Release 17 standards. Sharp and Rhode & Schwarz supplied the necessary antenna and test equipment, while the connection derived from Airbus-manufactured satellites.
This landmark trial demonstrates significant advancements in 5G technology. “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,” stated Eutelsat’s Chief Engineering Officer Arlen Kassighian.
The successful trial signifies a strong movement towards closing the connectivity gaps worldwide. It builds on Eutelsat’s wider initiatives to bridge the digital divide. Recently, the company achieved a milestone by providing high-speed satellite internet to one million individuals in Sub-Saharan Africa through its Konnect Wi-Fi hotspot solution. This initiative brings internet to regions where traditional broadband infrastructure remains underdeveloped, utilizing a geostationary satellite to deliver high-speed broadband via stationary hotspots.
In addition to the immediate successes, the integration of 5G NTN with LEO satellites could transform connectivity in remote and underserved areas. While this brings a host of possibilities, such as bridging the digital divide and enhancing global communication, it also presents challenges such as the cost of satellite deployment and ensuring network security.
As nations and companies like Eutelsat work toward these integrative technologies, the potential applications in both civilian and industrial segments become increasingly apparent. It’s an exciting time in telecommunications as the gap between ground and sky narrows, promising broader access to information for users worldwide.