- MediaTek, Eutelsat and Airbus have successfully conducted the first non-terrestrial (NTN) 5G network trial.
- Eutelsat OneWeb LEO satellites and advanced technologies such as 3GPP Release 17 were used.
- The technology will enable global Internet access, even in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is lacking.
- The EU's IRIS² program aims to expand this innovation with 270 LEO and 18 MEO satellites by 2030.
Telecommunications progress has taken another step into the future with the first successful test of a non-terrestrial (NTN) 5G or space-based 5G network using Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. This groundbreaking experiment was carried out by MediaTek, Eutelsat and Airbus, marking a milestone in global connectivity.
The development of this technology will allow a unprecedented network coverage, providing internet access in remote areas where terrestrial infrastructure is limited. In this article, we explore all the details of this groundbreaking trial and what it means for the future of connectivity.
A milestone in 5G space connectivity
Businesses MediaTek, Eutelsat and Airbus have joined forces to carry out the first test of a network 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network). The test was carried out using satellites Eutelsat OneWeb, operating in low Earth orbit (LEO), together with a MediaTek NR NTN test chipset and a gNB base station supplied by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).
During the test, the specifications of the standard were implemented 3GPP Release 17, a key step towards interoperability between terrestrial and satellite networks. Companies such as Sharp y Rohde & Schwarz contributed essential equipment, including antennas and advanced test technology.
How does the 5G space network work?
The tested connectivity system is based on the use of LEO satellites, which are located at a much lower altitude than conventional geostationary satellites. These satellites, built by Airbus, have transponders that operate in the bands Ku and Ka, facilitating the connection between 5G devices and terrestrial infrastructure.
Thanks to this advancement, a user terminal was able to successfully connect to the 5G core via satellite, enabling seamless data exchange. This technology will reduce Internet access costs and will improve service availability anywhere in the world.
Impact on the telecommunications industry
The success of this trial represents a major step forward for the telecommunications industry and global connectivity. The integration of NTN 5G networks with terrestrial networks will allow telecommunications companies to offer high-speed Internet services in places where it was previously impossible.
In addition, the program IRIS² The European Commission seeks to take advantage of this innovation with a constellation of 270 LEO and 18 MEO satellites, whose implementation is planned to be fully operational by 2030. With this development, Europe is moving forward in its objective of creating a telecommunications infrastructure safe and independent.
Declarations of the protagonists
The companies involved in this milestone have expressed their enthusiasm for the future of connectivity. Arlen Kassighian, Eutelsat Group Engineering Director, said that this test reflects Eutelsat's commitment to technological innovation and the development of advanced solutions For your customers.
For its part, Mingxi Fan, Head of Wireless Systems Engineering at MediaTek, highlighted that this achievement brings humanity closer to seamless global connectivity, even in areas with little or no cellular coverage.
Finally, Elodie Viau, Director of Space Systems Engineering at Airbus, highlighted the flexibility and innovative design of OneWeb satellites, highlighting the importance of NTN 5G networks in the future of telecommunications.
Applications and future of satellite 5G
The success of the first 5G satellite connection opens up endless possibilities for multiple sectors. Among its most relevant applications include:
- Connectivity in remote areas: Rural communities, ships, airplanes, and regions without landline coverage will be able to access high-speed Internet.
- Internet of Things (IoT): Smart devices will be able to operate without the need for land-based infrastructure, benefiting sectors such as agriculture and transportation.
- Security and defense: Governments and security forces will be able to use 5G NTN networks for communication in strategic locations without relying on terrestrial networks.
The future of global connectivity is getting closer. With the integration of 5G satellite networks, digital divide will begin to narrow, allowing more people to access the Internet with quality and speed. Share the information so that more users know about the news..