Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies are collaborating to extend 5G beyond the ground by integrating it with a network of Earth-orbiting satellites.
Following multiple detailed studies and simulations, the three companies will move into testing and validation focused on smartphone use cases for 5G non-terrestrial networks (5G NTN).
If successful, this work could allow future 5G smartphones to access wideband data services virtually anywhere on Earth, delivering global coverage that goes well beyond what legacy satellite phones can offer today.
Using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for 5G connectivity promises coverage in extreme or remote environments—across oceans, polar regions, deserts and other areas where terrestrial networks are absent.
Such ubiquitous connectivity would expand roaming capabilities for 5G subscribers and enable global connectivity for transportation, energy, and healthcare applications that rely on consistent, high-bandwidth links.
A space-based 5G layer could also serve as a resilient backup for terrestrial networks during major outages, natural disasters or other emergencies.
Given the expected security features of 5G NTNs, national governments are likely to adopt the technology for secure communications, strengthening public safety and national security networks.
Erik Ekudden, Senior Vice President and CTO at Ericsson, said: “This testing and validation cooperation between Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies will be a major milestone in the history of communications. The ultimate result could mean that no matter where you are on Earth—on the high seas or in the remotest forest—high-end, secure and cost-effective connectivity will be available through integrated 5G satellite and terrestrial networks.”
John Smee, Senior Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Technologies, added: “For 5G to deliver on the promise of ubiquitous connectivity, it must provide coverage where terrestrial cellular networks do not exist, whether over oceans or in remote regions. Our planned research with Ericsson and Thales starts an important step toward making this capability a reality. We look forward to the outcomes of this collaboration.”
Philippe Keryer, Executive Vice President for Strategy, Research and Technology at Thales, said: “The deployment of 5G networks is a step change for the telecoms industry. It transforms business opportunities and the skills required to connect and protect billions of people and devices. Thales is deeply engaged across these areas. Our research collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies reflects our belief that 5G non-terrestrial networks will accelerate this transformation and elevate network resiliency and security.”
This testing and validation effort follows the March 2022 approval by 3GPP, the global telecommunications standards body, to support non-terrestrial networks within the 5G specification for the first time.
The program aims to validate the technical components required to enable 5G NTNs, including a 5G-capable smartphone, satellite payload technologies, and ground-based 5G network elements.
A key goal is to demonstrate that 5G NTN functionality can be implemented within a standard smartphone form factor, effectively enabling future 5G phones to function like satellite phones. Initial experiments will run in an emulated space environment in France, a major center for Europe’s space industry.
Ericsson will validate a 5G virtual RAN (vRAN) stack adapted to handle radio signals traversing space and the atmosphere from fast-moving LEO satellites.
Thales will validate a 5G radio satellite payload designed for deployment on LEO satellites, while Qualcomm Technologies will provide test devices to confirm that future 5G smartphones can access NTN services. Engineers will use ground-based equipment to emulate radio propagation and the timing delays between a satellite in orbit and a smartphone connecting to the 5G radio access network at various locations on Earth.
Ekudden noted: “While it is too early to specify when a prototype 5G-equipped satellite could be launched for operational use, the rigorous ground-based testing and validation planned by Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies is essential to making that possibility a reality.”
As a 3GPP-backed technology, 5G NTNs can benefit from an extensive ecosystem of standardized products and components. The updated specifications also allow NTN features to be included in 5G devices, creating opportunities for vendors to scale 5G NTN compatibility across a broad range of products.
Looking to revamp your digital transformation strategy? Learn more about Digital Transformation Week taking place in Amsterdam, California, and London, and discover key strategies for making your digital efforts a success.