- A Japanese team demonstrated 5G satellite technology, connecting Singapore and Japan at the World Expo 2025.
- This breakthrough shows the potential for satellite-based 5G to improve global connectivity, especially in remote areas.
What happened: Japan demonstrates breakthrough 5G satellite technology at World Expo 2025
A collaboration between the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), SKY Perfect JSAT, TMY Technology, Rohde & Schwarz, and VIAVI Solutions led to a live demonstration of 5G NTN technology at the World Expo 2025 Singapore Pavilion in Osaka, Japan. This demonstration involved transmitting a 5G signal from a communication device in Singapore via a satellite antenna to a geostationary (GEO) satellite operated by JSAT. The signal was then forwarded from the satellite to a ground station in Japan, which connected to a 5G base station and core network emulator, effectively establishing an end-to-end cross-country 5G NR NTN communication link.
The successful demonstration highlights the feasibility of integrating satellite communication with terrestrial 5G networks, enabling mobile connectivity in remote and underserved regions. This breakthrough is expected to pave the way for the deployment of satellite-based 5G services, enhancing global mobile connectivity and supporting applications such as emergency communications, maritime operations, and rural broadband access.
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Why it’s important
This achievement represents a significant step toward the realization of seamless global mobile connectivity through the convergence of satellite and terrestrial networks. The integration of 5G NTN technology is anticipated to overcome geographical and infrastructural barriers, providing reliable and high-speed mobile services to areas previously lacking adequate coverage. As the telecommunications industry moves towards 6G, this demonstration underscores the critical role of satellite technology in the future of global communications.
