Non-Terrestrial Networks

In sum, what to know: –Taking NTN beyond consumers: Anterix, which owns 900 MHz spectrum and targets the utility and enterprise private wireless space, is testing space-based direct-to-device connectivity with the aim of providing utilities with NTN connectivity. –Device line-up: …

The LoRa Alliance’s new roadmap tackles IoT’s toughest challenges: interoperability, integration and deployment simplicity. By prioritising ecosystem maturity over radio innovation, LoRaWAN is betting that usability, not connectivity, will determine its next phase of growth. In sum – what to …

The realities of non-terrestrial networks increasingly show that coverage depends as much on timing as location The telecom industry has so long built network optimization strategies around a static infrastructure serving a mobile user base. Now as non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) …

Can machine learning solve the challenges of non-terrestrial networks? Satellite-to-phone connectivity is becoming a whole lot more popular. Services are now delivering direct satellite connections to regular smartphones, extending coverage into places where traditional cell infrastructure simply doesn’t exist. Sure, …

As 5G matures and the path to 6G takes shape, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) are becoming essential to extending connectivity, enhancing resilience, and enabling global service coverage.  How can NTNs be seamlessly integrated with terrestrial networks, and what are the challenges …

Satellite companies, mobile network operators and device manufacturers are working to support cellular Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity, in hopes of achieving ubiquitous coverage and profitable new services. NTN connectivity is already appearing in flagship smartphones for emergency messaging and location-sharing …

AST SpaceMobile can now begin testing mobile broadband services using the five BlueBird satellites it launched in September The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has granted temporary approval to AST SpaceMobile to test is direct-to-device (D2D) satellite service, which includes …

The agreement, which extends through 2034, will enable Vodafone to offer space-based cellular broadband connectivity Direct-to-cellular company AST SpaceMobile has locked down another mobile carrier deal, securing a long-term commercial agreement with European and African telecommunications company Vodafone Group. The …

5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs), are essentially satellite base stations or ‘cell towers in space’ and are being designed to overcome some of the limitations of terrestrial networks. Download this white paper to learn about the evolution of NTNs, some of …

Non-terrestrial networks, or NTNs, will be a native component in 6G networks, according to 6G-NTN project member Dorin Panaitopol For those behind Europe’s 6G-NTN project, non-terrestrial networks, or NTNs, are the only way to achieve ubiquitous coverage, project member Dorin …

Docomo said it is driving R&D in cutting-edge non-terrestrial network technologies that combine GEO, LEO and HAPS Japanese telco NTT DOCOMO is currently focusing on demonstration tests and standardization efforts for 5G evolution and 6G technology with the aim of …

Starting this fall, some Verizon customers will be able to use emergency messaging and location sharing Verizon has partnered with California-based Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communications provider Skylo to enable direct-to-device messaging service for the carrier’s customers using “certain” smartphones. Starting …

The AST SpaceMobile satellites will depart from a launch site in Cape Canaveral, Florida in September Satellite direct-to-cellular company AST SpaceMobile has completed construction of its first five Bluebird low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and announced a shipment scheduled for the first …

Verizon makes a $100 million commitment to AST AST SpaceMobile has followed up a commercialization announcement with AT&T with the news today that the satellite company has struck a deal with Verizon to provide direct-to-cellular service to the carrier’s customers …

The latest test and measurement trends include Non-terrestrial and Open RAN networks To set the stage for the Test and Measurement Forum (available on demand here), Emil Olbrich, vice president of network technologies with Signals Research Group (SRG), laid out …

In today’s evolving telecoms landscape, providers are faced with mounting competition and growing pressure to provide the best, most reliable service. Many experts in this sector understand the limitations of existing networks, realizing that the true way to establish the …

Even as carrier strike partnerships and push forward with testing of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity, there are some big questions that are being asked about the underlying business fundamentals of the convergence of cellular and satellite. Is there a large-scale, …

The interest in cellular non-terrestrial network technology and the business opportunity is reflected in the amount of activity in the space in recent years, as 3GPP 5G standards work has built momentum toward convergence of satellite and cellular networks and …

NTNs will be critical to the future 6G ecosystem, bridging the gap between traditional terrestrial networks and the new space-based communications The 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (6G-NTN) project has released a white paper in which the body explores the future of …

Panelists at the Open RAN Forum discuss how Open RAN is helping solve some of the biggest non-terrestrial 5G hurdles At this year’s Open RAN Forum, Cambridge Consultants’ Director of Wireless Technology Tim Rogers asserted that Open RAN architecture “accelerates …

Sateliot noted that this achievement paves the way for massive access to connectivity everywhere in the planet Satellite-based 5G narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) wholesaler Sateliot, which operates a Low-Earth orbit (LEO) 5G IoT satellite constellation, and Spanish operator Telefónica said they …

GSMA and ESA partnership will help develop new satellite and terrestrial network technologies that allow for better integration with 5G and 6G systems The GSMA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) that outlines …

Panelists touched on 5G, Wi-Fi 7 and IoT non-terrestrial network devices During a panel at the Test & Measurement Forum, two panelists discussed some of the testing challenges associated with next-generation devices, like those equipped with 5G and Wi-Fi 7, …

The solution uses Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems and Iridium satellite constellation’s weather-resistant L-band spectrum Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Satellite, announced at CES 2023, is designed to provide global, two-way messaging capabilities for smartphones. The solution is supported by Snapdragon 5G Modem-RF Systems …