Ericsson, Qualcomm, and Thales Achieve 5G Satellite Connectivity Breakthrough

The vision of seamless global mobile connectivity has taken a significant step forward as Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and Thales Alenia Space successfully completed a 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) call using a simulated low earth orbit (LEO) satellite channel. This milestone brings the integration of traditional mobile networks with satellite networks closer to reality, paving the way for uninterrupted 5G connectivity across oceans, remote regions, and underserved areas.

The successful test was conducted in a French laboratory, where the three partners combined their expertise to establish a 5G standards-based NTN call. The trial demonstrated that an NR-NTN capable device can stay connected through mobile networks, whether served by terrestrial infrastructure or satellites. This innovation removes the need for additional satellite equipment, such as dishes, allowing smartphones to maintain mobile coverage even in areas currently unreachable by traditional networks, including deep forests and open seas.

This achievement is expected to enable a wide range of applications, including high-definition voice calls, real-time video streaming, and reliable data services, regardless of location. The breakthrough marks a major step towards making non-terrestrial networks a commercial reality, following the launch of the collaboration between Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, and Thales Alenia Space in 2022. This was the first publicly announced partnership dedicated to developing 5G NTN based on 3GPP standards.

Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks at Ericsson, emphasized the importance of this milestone, stating, “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 at Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., added, “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, said, “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 continuing to refine and develop advanced 5G and 6G NTN technologies with the goal of scaling commercial 5G NTN services worldwide. Their shared ambition is to unlock a full suite of communication services, including messaging, voice, and data, through multi-orbit satellites, making reliable and seamless mobile connectivity available to everyone, everywhere.

The trial involved a complete 3GPP-based end-to-end New Radio (NR) 5G non-terrestrial network call using an emulated LEO satellite link. Key aspects tested included managing signal delays, mitigating Doppler effects, and ensuring smooth satellite handovers, all of which are essential to maintain high-quality, uninterrupted communication in satellite environments.

This achievement reinforces the future of global connectivity, where 5G non-terrestrial networks will play a critical role in delivering universal mobile coverage and bridging the digital divide worldwide.