A breakthrough that pushes satellite-powered 5G closer to everyday use
In a landmark achievement for satellite communications, the European Space Agency (ESA), MediaTek, Eutelsat, Airbus, Sharp, ITRI, and Rohde & Schwarz have successfully completed the world’s first 5G-Advanced (Rel-19) Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN) connection using Eutelsat’s OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites.
This milestone marks a major step toward integrating satellites with terrestrial 5G networks, opening doors for global connectivity solutions that can reach even the most remote regions.
A Successful Rel-19 NR-NTN Trial Over OneWeb LEO Satellites
The collaborative test used OneWeb’s LEO constellation in combination with MediaTek’s NR-NTN chipset, ITRI’s NR-NTN gNB, and Sharp’s newly developed flat-panel antenna. The system implemented key 3GPP Release 19 specifications, including:
- Ku-band operations
- 50MHz channel bandwidth
- Conditional handover (CHO)
- End-to-end connection to a 5G core
The OneWeb satellites built by Airbus Defence and Space feature transparent transponders with Ku-band service links and Ka-band feeder links, operating with “Earth-moving beams” for improved global coverage.
During the live test, the NTN terminal successfully linked to the ground 5G system through the gateway antenna at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in The Netherlands.
A Path to Universal 5G Connectivity
The demonstration shows how future devices will be able to switch seamlessly between terrestrial networks and satellite signals, ensuring reliable coverage wherever users go. With global 3GPP standards now supporting NTN capability, satellite broadband can become more cost-efficient, scalable, and widely available expanding possibilities for smartphones, vehicles, IoT devices, and critical infrastructure.
ESA noted that the success of this trial highlights the importance of joint innovation. David Phillips of ESA emphasized that partnerships like this strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and help accelerate next-generation connectivity solutions.
Industry Leaders React to the Breakthrough
MediaTek highlighted its mission to deliver connectivity where cellular networks are limited, calling the successful real-world test an important step toward commercial NTN broadband.
Eutelsat shared pride in being the first satellite operator to enable NR-NTN broadband over Ku-band LEO satellites, pointing to the strong value of cross-industry collaboration in shaping the future of satellite-enabled 5G.
Airbus emphasized the adaptability of its OneWeb satellites and celebrated the milestone as a major leap toward seamless global broadband for 5G devices.
Sharp called the success a significant step toward real-world NTN deployment and noted its commitment to advancing worldwide communications infrastructure.
ITRI reiterated the potential of NR-NTN technology to deliver ubiquitous coverage and expressed readiness to support emerging NTN opportunities through continued innovation.
Finally, Rohde & Schwarz highlighted its testing solutions that enabled rigorous NTN channel measurements, paving the way for commercial 5G-Advanced NTN devices.
The Future of Connectivity Is Hybrid
This breakthrough demonstrates how close the world is to achieving fully integrated 5G and satellite systems. As more constellations and chipsets adopt 3GPP NTN standards, users will gain access to resilient connectivity no matter where they live or travel.
For industries and communities in hard-to-reach locations, this could redefine what it means to stay connected.





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