- Eutelsat conducts first 5G NTN connection with LEO satellites
- Collaboration with MediaTek, Airbus and others sets path for 5G NTN standard
What happened: Eutelsat achieves satellite 5G breakthrough
Eutelsat, in collaboration with MediaTek, Airbus Defence and Space, and others, has announced a major milestone in satellite 5G connectivity. The companies successfully conducted the first 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) trial involving low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Using the OneWeb LEO fleet, a 5G user terminal was connected to a satellite link, and traffic was exchanged over the satellite link. This trial marks a key step towards the standardisation of NTN for 5G, enabling seamless integration between satellite and terrestrial networks.
The demonstration used Ku-band frequencies, typically employed in satellite communications, and involved contributions from Taiwan-based ITRI, Sharp, and Rohde & Schwarz. This success is expected to lay the groundwork for future satellite communications infrastructure and applications, driving advancements in 5G connectivity across various industries.
Also Read: T-Mobile and Starlink begin large-scale satellite connectivity testing
Also Read: Vodafone advances direct-to-device satellite connectivity trials
Why it’s important
This achievement highlights the potential for satellite-based 5G to transform global connectivity, especially in remote or underserved regions. By enabling seamless interaction between satellite and terrestrial 5G networks, it offers the possibility of ubiquitous, high-speed internet access. Industries such as smartphones, automotive, and IoT are expected to benefit greatly from this innovation. As demand for reliable 5G services grows, the successful integration of LEO satellites into the 5G ecosystem will become increasingly important, paving the way for faster, more efficient global communications.
