In recent years, dozens of terrestrial 5G networks have been deployed across the world, with operators mainly focused on areas already being served by existing cellular technologies. But this is slowly changing, as companies want to take advantage of the unique capabilities of 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (5G NTN), which can help expand the reach of 5G technology across numerous geographies. The desire to offer 5G services to enterprises and massive IoT and MTC (machine type communication) devices is driving the expansion into non-traditional areas. 5G NTN has been part of a gradual shift in research focus, with many leading technology companies announcing breakthroughs in this field.
Space-Enabled 5G Links Japan and Europe for the First Time
Engineers have connected Japan and Europe via space-enabled, next-generation 5G telecommunication links for the first time, the European Space Agency (ESA) said in a statement. It’s the first time that such an intercontinental connection has been established between Europe and Japan.
“Engineers in Japan collaborated with their counterparts in Europe to test several business scenarios that will demand such seamless transitions. First they tested whether it was possible to send high-definition broadcast quality 4K video via space to simulate the experience of passengers on board an aircraft. The long distance between Japan and Europe introduces a time lag that makes connection more challenging than it would be over shorter distances. They found that even under the influence of such delays, it was possible to send the video from Japan to a data center in Europe seamlessly using satellite,” according to The European Space Agency.
Ericsson, Qualcomm and Thales Expand 5G Networks Into Space
Ericsson, Thales, and Qualcomm Technologies recently announced that they will team up to extend 5G coverage into space via a network of satellites orbiting the planet. After each company completed their own research, they plan to initiate a test phase of smartphone use in this technological context while validating the concept of 5G NTN.
The purpose of this project is that, in the future, new smartphones will benefit from 5G connectivity anywhere on Earth—thereby providing full global coverage for broadband data services. The project also aims to prove that 5G NTN networks can support the use of smartphones, effectively turning these devices into satellite phones. Initial tests will be carried out in France, where most of the European space industry companies and organizations are based.
“While it is too early to say when any resulting 5G equipped prototype satellite could be launched into orbit for real operational use, the highly technical ground-based testing and validation work planned between Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies is key to making it happen”, Erik Ekudden (Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Ericsson) stated.
Smart Communications and US Omnispace Team Up to Explore and Demonstrate the Capabilities of Space-Based 5G Communications
Smart Communications—the wireless subsidiary of Philippine-based telco PLDT—is working with US-based Omnispace to explore and demonstrate the capabilities of space-based 5G communications using low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The two companies claim they’re on a mission to create “the world’s first truly global 5G network” by combining mobile roaming with satellite technology.
In service of this mission, Omnispace launched two LEO satellites into space. The Spark-1 was launched in April 2022, followed by the Spark-2 a month later.
“The Omnispace 5G NTN global network will interconnect with terrestrial or land-based mobile networks to serve mobile subscribers utilizing the company’s 2 GHz mobile satellite spectrum allocation and operating in 3GPP band n256. As the world’s first 3GPP-compliant 5G NTN system, the Omnispace network is expected to deliver the power of 5G directly to billions of devices everywhere, extending the reach of mobile connectivity to enable people and assets to communicate in real time through a single, seamless global service”, according to a joint press release.
Conclusion
The deployment of reliable 5G NTN could mean that remote regions and other areas currently lacking 5G coverage could benefit from high speed internet. Extended connectivity will enhance roaming capabilities for 5G smartphone users, and facilitate the use of 5G technology in many important sectors—such as industry, transport, energy, and healthcare. The race for the first fully functional 5G NTN is heating up as more and more companies plan to take advantage of this technology.
