Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies, and French aerospace company Thales are collaborating to provide a more comprehensive global 5G network service via satellite, rather than a terrestrial network. This will allow more areas where network services are difficult to establish to have convenient connectivity.
This collaboration is based on the 3G Non-Terrestrial Networks (5G NTN) service approved by the 5GPP International Telecommunications Standards Organization and provided via Earth-orbiting satellites. The collaboration also aims to leverage the operational characteristics of satellites to achieve a wider coverage area for 5G network services.
The preliminary work currently underway in France is expected to test and verify the operation mode of 5G non-terrestrial networks to confirm whether the user experience of connecting via smartphones meets expectations. This will enable 5G network services to be used everywhere on the earth, regardless of factors such as terrain. On the other hand, it will also be able to maintain normal network operations in the event of unexpected disasters, or further expand 5G network services to extreme regions and open ocean areas where it is currently difficult to build 5G network resources.
The security features of satellite connections can also enable 5G non-terrestrial networks to become communication channels for national government agencies, thereby ensuring the security of network use by national agencies and government units.
“This testing and validation collaboration between Ericsson, Thales, and Qualcomm Technologies marks a significant milestone in communications,” said Erik Ekudden, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Ericsson. “The end result of this collaboration effectively means that users can now access advanced, secure, and cost-effective connectivity, whether they are in the middle of the ocean, in a remote forest, or anywhere else on Earth, through collaborative 5G satellite and terrestrial networks.”
“To deliver on the promise of ubiquitous connectivity, 5G must also be able to provide coverage where terrestrial cellular networks don’t exist, whether at sea or in remote areas,” said John Smee, senior vice president of engineering, Qualcomm Technologies. “The research we are planning with Ericsson and Thales will be an important step in making this crucial technology a reality, and we are excited about the results of this collaboration.”
Philippe Keryer, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Research and Technology, Thales, said: “The deployment of 5G networks marks a major transformation in the telecommunications industry. It is a game-changer, bringing not only new business opportunities but also the capabilities needed to connect and protect billions of people and things. Thales is deeply involved in this effort through various activities within the Group. Thales’ research collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies demonstrates our company’s conviction that 5G non-terrestrial networks can contribute to this revolution and bring new levels of network resilience and security.”
