- Deutsche Telekom, in partnership with Skylo Technologies and Qualcomm, has completed Europe’s first successful trial integrating terrestrial mobile networks with satellites for text messaging.
- The proof-of-concept used a device equipped with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X-80 5G Modem-RF System, a Cosmote SIM card, and Skylo’s satellite network operating on MSS spectrum.
What happened
Deutsche Telekom, Skylo Technologies, and Qualcomm have successfully completed Europe’s first trial of satellite-based SMS messaging. The trial integrated terrestrial mobile networks with satellite connectivity using 3GPP Release 17’s Direct-to-Handset (D2H) technology. This allows users in remote areas, without cellular coverage, to send and receive text messages via satellite. The test used a device with a Snapdragon X-80 5G modem, Cosmote SIM card, and Skylo’s satellite network in Greece through Deutsche Telekom’s Cosmote subsidiary. This milestone shows how satellite networks can enhance mobile coverage in underserved regions. Deutsche Telekom sees this as a key step toward commercial satellite services in Europe, which will improve connectivity and bridge the digital divide. The company is also involved in the IRIS2 multi-orbit satellite project to boost secure communications and crisis response capabilities across Europe.
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Why it is important
The successful GEO satellite SMS trial by Deutsche Telekom and its partners is important for several reasons. It improves connectivity in remote areas without cellular coverage, enabling SMS messaging in “white spots.” This ensures reliable communication, especially during emergencies or in underserved regions. The trial also demonstrates the potential of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to become a standard part of mobile services. Satellite connectivity could work seamlessly with existing mobile networks, without the need for separate apps or devices.Additionally, the trial supports larger initiatives like the IRIS2 satellite constellation, which aims to enhance secure communications and improve crisis response capabilities in Europe. This marks a key step in expanding satellite-based connectivity solutions and bridging the digital divide.
