Airbus and MediaTek have completed the world’s first practical trial of 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) technology using Eutelsat OneWeb’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation.
This milestone demonstrates seamless interoperability between terrestrial and satellite networks, reduces access costs, and paves the way for satellite broadband to reach billions of 5G devices worldwide.
Arlen Kassighian, Chief Engineering Officer at Eutelsat, said these trials underline the company’s commitment to adopting new technologies and collaborating with trusted partners to deliver improved services to customers. He noted that 5G NTN will be a significant capability for the IRIS2 constellation and that Eutelsat is actively contributing to this evolving ecosystem. Eutelsat is the first satellite operator to demonstrate the 5G air interface on a commercial Ku-band fleet, opening possibilities for future applications across upcoming constellations.
The trial combined several technical resources: MediaTek’s NR-NTN test chipset, the OneWeb LEO satellites, and gNB equipment from ITRI, all implemented in line with 3GPP Release 17 specifications. Sharp and Rohde & Schwarz supplied the test instrumentation and antenna array, while Airbus-built LEO satellites carried advanced transponders supporting Ku-band service links, Ka-band feeder links, and Earth-moving beam technology.
During testing, a 5G user terminal connected to the 5G core via the satellite link and successfully exchanged traffic. This practical demonstration shows the technical viability of delivering commercial-grade NR-NTN satellite wideband connectivity and illustrates how future networks can integrate satellite links smoothly.
5G NTN: Opening the door to ubiquitous connectivity
Adopting a unified 5G standard across the global mobile industry is a major advance. When compatible satellite constellations complement terrestrial networks, users can access truly ubiquitous connectivity—removing many of today’s coverage limitations.
The resulting economies of scale are expected to generate significant opportunities across multiple sectors, including smartphones, automotive, and the Internet of Things (IoT). MediaTek, a leader in connectivity technologies, views this achievement as an important step toward practical, deployed solutions.
Mingxi Fan, Head of Wireless System and ASIC Engineering at MediaTek, stated that enabling real-world connections with LEO satellites moves the industry closer to commercial 3GPP-based NR-NTN satellite wideband services. MediaTek’s involvement reinforces its mission to extend connectivity to areas with limited or no cellular coverage.
5G NTN can close connectivity gaps in rural and remote regions and enhance network resilience in urban settings. As LEO satellite deployments accelerate, the prospect of uninterrupted, borderless coverage becomes increasingly attainable.
Airbus played a central role in the trial by supplying the LEO satellites that supported the tests. Their performance highlighted the satellites’ flexible and innovative design, reinforcing Airbus’s position in advancing space-based connectivity.
Elodie Viau, Head of Space Systems Engineering at Airbus, emphasized that demonstrating 5G NTN connectivity with Airbus-built OneWeb satellites proves both the satellites’ adaptability and the broader potential for global satellite broadband for 5G devices. Airbus continues to contribute to the integration of satellites into everyday communications.
Space is the limit
Beyond the technical achievement, this trial lays groundwork for a more connected future. By enabling cost-effective and seamless cooperation between satellite and terrestrial networks, 5G NTN can remove many current connectivity barriers and deliver high-speed broadband to locations previously without practical access.
Potential applications span connected and autonomous vehicles, global IoT deployments, and improved resilience for critical infrastructure during disasters. With the combined expertise of Eutelsat, MediaTek, and Airbus driving innovation, fully integrated 5G satellite-terrestrial networks are nearer to practical deployment than ever.
(Image Credit: OneWeb)
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