The integration of traditional mobile networks with satellite mobile networks – and the related possibility of truly global connectivity across oceans and continents – has moved a step closer following a significant technology achievement by Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Thales Alenia Space.
The three partners combined expertise in a French test laboratory to successfully connect a 5G standards-based non terrestrial network call with a simulated low earth orbit (LEO) satellite channel.
In effect, the trial proved that an NR-NTN capable device would never be without mobile coverage where areas are served by either terrestrial or non-terrestrial networks. In other words, if NTN covers an area in the middle of an ocean or deep forest – currently impossible to cover with terrestrial networks – then a device would be able to connect, via mobile connectivity alone, with any other device or service on the mobile network without the need for additional satellite signal receiving equipment, such as a dish.
Support applications could include high-definition voice calls and real-time video streaming services.
The achievement is a significant milestone on the way to non-terrestrial networks becoming a commercial reality. The collaboration launched in 2022 was, at the time, the world’s first publicly announced collaboration for 5G NTN based on 3GPP standards.
Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks, at Ericsson, says: “This successful 5G non-terrestrial network call represents not just a technological breakthrough but also showcases the practical viability of integrating satellite technology within existing terrestrial frameworks. Ericsson is committed to advancing ubiquitous connectivity, and our collaborative effort with Thales Alenia Space and Qualcomm Technologies will help ensure that future communication systems are more inclusive, resilient, and globally accessible. By leveraging NTN technology, we aim to bridge the digital divide and bring reliable communication to every corner of the world.”
John Smee, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., says: “Our collaboration with Ericsson and Thales Alenia Space is crucial in leveraging 3GPP standards for satellite communications, helping to ensure that 5G connectivity is universally accessible to 5G smartphone users. Qualcomm Technologies remains committed to enhancing chipset capabilities that support the seamless integration of 5G non-terrestrial networks and terrestrial networks.”
Hervé Derrey, CEO of Thales Alenia Space, says: “For years, Thales Alenia Space has been at the heart of all initiatives aimed at seamlessly integrating satellite communications in the 5G network infrastructure – including standardization with 3GPP – and takes 5G NTN standardized solutions into account in the design of its satellite payloads supporting either Broadband or Direct-To-Device (D2D) services. By combining Thales Alenia Space’s expertise in space technologies with Ericsson’s leadership in 5G networks and Qualcomm Technologies’ advanced chipsets, we are making significant headway towards the seamless integration of terrestrial and NTN networks, to provide access to 5G services, anywhere and at any time.”
Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, and Thales Alenia Space are committed to further refinement and development of 5G/6G NTN technologies, aiming to introduce and scale 5G NTN on the market and allow for a full set of services – from multi-orbit satellites including messaging, voice and data, to make seamless communication a reality for everyone, everywhere, and at any time.
MORE ON THE TECH
The partners established a 3GPP-based end-to-end New Radio (NR) 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) call using a lab-emulated low earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
The test explored critical components such as handling delays, Doppler effects, and ensuring seamless satellite handovers, which are crucial for maintaining communication integrity in satellite environments.
