• Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., and Thales Alenia Space have partnered on 5G NR non terrestrial networks (NTN) technology since 2022
• Demonstration validates key technical functionalities essential for robust satellite communication integration
• It paves the way towards the seamless integration of terrestrial network (TN) and NTN, laying the groundwork for commercial deployment

The integration of traditional mobile networks with satellite mobile networks - and the related possibility of truly global connectivity across oceans and continents - has moved a step closer following a significant technology achievement by Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC), Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Thales Alenia Space.

The three partners combined expertise in a French test laboratory to successfully connect a 5G standards-based non terrestrial network call with a simulated low earth orbit (LEO) satellite channel.

5G Skytower LEO satellite ©Thales Alenia Space/ Briot

In effect, the trial proved that an NR-NTN capable device would never be without mobile coverage where areas are served by either terrestrial or non-terrestrial networks. In other words, if NTN covers an area in the middle of an ocean or deep forest - currently impossible to cover with terrestrial networks - then a device would be able to connect, via mobile connectivity alone, with any other device or service on the mobile network without the need for additional satellite signal receiving equipment, such as a dish. 

Support applications could include high-definition voice calls and real-time video streaming services.

The achievement is a significant milestone on the way to non-terrestrial networks becoming a commercial reality. The collaboration launched in 2022 was, at the time, the world’s first publicly announced collaboration for 5G NTN based on 3GPP standards. 

Fredrik Jejdling, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Area Networks, at Ericsson, says: “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, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., says: “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, says: “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 committed to further refinement and development of 5G/6G NTN technologies, aiming to introduce and scale 5G NTN on the market and allow for a full set of services – from multi-orbit satellites including messaging, voice and data, to make seamless communication a reality for everyone, everywhere, and at any time. 

More on the tech :

The partners established a 3GPP-based end-to-end New Radio (NR) 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN) call using a lab-emulated low earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
The test explored critical components such as handling delays, Doppler effects, and ensuring seamless satellite handovers, which are crucial for maintaining communication integrity in satellite environments.

About Ericsson:

Ericsson’s high-performing networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. Ercisson 

Ericsson France press contact: 
Laetitia Suizdak:  laetitia.suizdak@ericsson.com   

About Qualcomm:

Qualcomm is enabling a world where everyone and everything can be intelligently connected. Our one technology roadmap allows us to efficiently scale the technologies that launched the mobile revolution – including advanced connectivity, high-performance, low-power compute, on-device intelligence and more – to the next generation of connected smart devices across industries. Innovations from Qualcomm and our families of Snapdragon and Dragonwing platforms will help enable cloud-edge convergence, transform industries, accelerate the digital economy, and revolutionize how we experience the world, for the greater good.     
Qualcomm Incorporated includes our licensing business, QTL, and the vast majority of our patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, operates, along with its subsidiaries, substantially all of our engineering, research and development functions, and substantially all of our products and services businesses, including our QCT semiconductor business. Snapdragon, Qualcomm Dragonwing and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patents are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated. 
Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

About Thales Alenia Space:

Drawing on over 40 years of experience and a unique combination of skills, expertise and cultures, Thales Alenia Space delivers cost-effective solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science and orbital infrastructures. Governments and private industry alike count on Thales Alenia Space to design satellite-based systems that provide anytime, anywhere connections and positioning, monitor our planet, enhance management of its resources, and explore our Solar System and beyond. Thales Alenia Space sees space as a new horizon, helping to build a better, more sustainable life on Earth. A joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), Thales Alenia Space also teams up with Telespazio to form the parent companies’ Space Alliance, which offers a complete range of services. Thales Alenia Space posted consolidated revenues of approximately €2.2 billion in 2023 and has around 8,600 employees in 8 countries with 16 sites in Europe.