The Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), SKY Perfect JSAT (JSAT), TMY Technology Inc (TMYTEK), Rohde & Schwarz, and VIAVI Solutions have jointly developed a new 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite technology to advance mobile connectivity in remote locations.
The research team conducted a live demonstration at the recent World Expo 2025 Singapore Pavilion in Osaka, Japan, showcasing the deployment of an end-to-end cross-country 5G new radio (NR) NTN.
In a scenario with traditional satellite communication where a ship is sailing in a remote location when a crew member encounters an emergency health issue, the crew can only send a text message to the shore for assistance. With the new technology showcased at the live demonstration, real-time communication via video-call becomes possible.
The live demonstration showed that a 5G signal can be transmitted from an end user equipment (UE), such as a communication device, located in SUTD, Singapore, via a satellite antenna, to a geostationary (GEO) satellite operated by JSAT. This signal was then forwarded from the satellite to a ground station in JSAT, Japan, which connects to a 5G base station and 5G core network emulator, demonstrating the feasibility of communications between NTN and terrestrial networks (TN).
The live demonstration successfully showed that an existing GEO satellite can reliably support the 5G NR standards as defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which is a consortium that develops global standards for mobile telecommunications. Although current 5G deployments primarily rely on TN, upcoming 6G networks are expected to be a convergence of both TN and NTN to achieve global coverage and resilient connectivity. The demonstration will lay the foundation for future extensions to medium earth orbit (MEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites, as well as 6G converged TN and NTN.
Additionally, this joint collaboration is also among the first in the world to integrate an electronically steered antenna (ESA) for 5G NTN GEO communications. This enables NTN technology to be more suitable for challenging use cases, such as in the maritime and autonomous vehicles industries; or connecting 5G UE to high-speed moving satellites such as LEO or MEO.
Rohde & Schwarz and VIAVI have developed an NTN digital twin testbed covering LEO, MEO and GEO, and this was used in the testing and validation of the end-to-end connectivity and performance in the live demonstration.
Dr Sameh Yamany, chief technology officer of VIAVI Solutions, said: “At VIAVI, we are committed to enabling the future of global connectivity through innovation and collaboration. This breakthrough in 5G NTN technology marks a pivotal moment—not only proving that seamless mobile communication over satellite is achievable, but also laying the groundwork for resilient, borderless 6G networks. We are proud to contribute our test and validation expertise alongside global partners to turn this vision into reality.”
Samuel Lur, general manager of Rohde & Schwarz said: “As we unveil the latest in 5G NTN technology at the Osaka Expo, Rohde & Schwarz is proud to highlight our contributions in test and measurement that ensure the integrity and performance of these innovations. This achievement is a result of the collective efforts of our esteemed partners at SUTD and other collaborators. Thank you for your dedication and teamwork in pushing the boundaries of technology.”