To pave the way for the deployment of the 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) and key eco-system partners have demonstrated the 5G air interface operating in both low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite and geostationary satellite scenarios.
Collaborating with Eutelsat, MediaTek and Airbus, ITRI launched a world-leading trial of 5G NTN technology over in-orbit operational LEO satellites, marking a breakthrough in NTN innovations. By implementing 3GPP Release 17 specifications in this trial, the 5G terminal device powered by a MediaTek NR-NTN test chip successfully connected to ITRI NTN gNB via a Ku-band Eutelsat OneWeb satellite link, exchanging traffic with a satellite built by Airbus.
Furthermore, ITRI and Chunghwa Telecom (CHT) demonstrated a world-leading 5G NTN wideband connection over GEO satellite. Leveraging CHT's commercial ST-2 satellite, the two parties jointly set up the trial environment, conducting an end-to-end bi-directional video call via Ku-band ST-2 satellite link based on 3GPP NTN specifications. The trial overcame the challenges of highly volatile GEO propagation environment and achieved up to 2bps/Hz high spectrum efficiency by integrating ITRI NTN gNB and the 5G user terminal.
These pioneering 5G NTN tests are expected to direct future satellite and terrestrial interoperability to a larger scale for greater ecosystem engagement, bringing commercial 5G broadband satellite access a step closer to the market. With the integration of 5G standards shared and accepted by the entire mobile industry, all compatible multi-orbit satellites will naturally and seamlessly complement terrestrial networks, enabling truly ubiquitous connectivity at scale and opening up new markets for smartphones, the automotive industry, and the Internet-of-Things.
Pang-An Ting, ITRI Vice President and General Director of Information and Communications Research Laboratories
The successful demonstration of 5G multi-orbit NTN satellite connectivity using ITRI NTN gNB not only proves the flexibility and innovative design of the NTN base station but also sets the stage for the seamless convergence of NTN/TN broadband connectivity for 5G devices.
Chung-Yung Chia, President of Chunghwa Telecom Network Technology Group
With our solid capabilities in network technology and cutting-edge research, Chunghwa Telecom has been promoting satellite technology evolution and industry collaboration. We will keep working closely with government agencies, private sectors, and research institutions to integrate multi-orbit satellite resources to drive the growth of Taiwan's satellite industry.
Mingxi Fan, Senior General Manager of Wireless Technology Group at MediaTek
As a global leader in terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity, MediaTek continues in its mission to improve lives by enabling innovative technology that connects the world around us, including remote areas with little to no cellular coverage. Through active collaboration with Taiwan global industry partners including key drivers locally in Taiwan to enable successful real-world connections with LEO satellites in orbit. We are now another step closer to bring the next generation of 3GPP-based NR-NTN satellite wideband connectivity for commercial use worldwide.