• Samsung and Keysight Technologies demonstrated an end-to-end non-terrestrial network (NTN) connection in 3GPP band n252 at CES 2026, including live satellite-to-satellite handover using commercial modem silicon.
• The validation of all major NTN bands n252, n255 and n256 marks a milestone for direct-to-cell satellite services, but questions remain about practical deployment and ecosystem readiness.
What happened: live NTN connectivity showcased
At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Samsung Electronics and Keysight Technologies, Inc. presented a live demonstration of non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity that maintained a continuous 5G connection while moving between satellites. This demonstration used a new radio NTN connection in 3GPP band n252, which was validated end-to-end, including satellite-to-satellite mobility with commercial-grade modem silicon provided by Samsung.
The demonstration also entailed cross-vendor interoperability, an important factor in building a broader ecosystem where device makers, modem suppliers and satellite operators can work together on standards-based NTN services. According to the companies, the inclusion of band n252, alongside previously validated n255 and n256, means that all major low-frequency NTN bands in the 3GPP FR1 range have now been shown to work end-to-end in an NTN system.
Keysight’s NTN Network Emulator Solutions were used to recreate realistic multi-orbit low Earth orbit (LEO) conditions and end-to-end routing, running live user applications over the NTN link and validating performance under simulated operational conditions. Peng Cao, vice president and general manager of Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, said the test environment supports evaluation of multi-satellite mobility, interoperability and user-level performance, helping the industry move toward commercial service.
This achievement builds on previous demonstrations where Samsung and Keysight showed 5G NTN data connections under different scenarios. For example, in 2023 at Mobile World Congress, the firms showcased 5G NTN connectivity capable of basic communication over satellite links, illustrating early progress toward direct-to-cell satellite services.
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Why it’s important
The live NTN demonstration at CES signals tangible progress in the quest to integrate satellite connectivity with terrestrial mobile networks using standardised 5G technologies. NTN promises to extend coverage into remote or underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is limited, potentially serving remote communities, vehicles in transit, maritime operations and Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
The validation of band n252, in addition to bands n255 and n256, is significant because it shows that multiple frequency bands can be used in concert to support NTN services, potentially giving operators and device makers more flexibility in deployment. However, the demonstration does not equate to commercial readiness. Practical deployment of NTN services will require alignment across satellite operators, mobile network operators, regulators and device manufacturers, including spectrum licensing, ecosystem support and certification of consumer hardware.
Costs and business models also remain unresolved. Direct-to-cell satellite services must be economically viable compared with terrestrial alternatives or hybrid solutions, and it is unclear how pricing, capacity limits and service quality will influence adoption at scale when these systems become available, expected from 2026 onwards.
There are technical challenges beyond band validation too. Seamless multi-orbit mobility requires robust handover mechanisms, precise timing and signal integrity across different orbits, and mitigations for latency and Doppler effects caused by satellite motion. Past tests in multi-orbit scenarios have highlighted such complexities and suggest further work is needed before continuous global coverage is feasible.
Finally, although demonstrations highlight technological potential, consumer uptake and competitive dynamics in the NTN market remain open questions. Established satellite internet providers and emerging NTN players alike will vie for market share, and the extent to which standardised 5G NTN solutions deliver reliable, affordable connectivity will shape future investment and adoption trajectories.
