ST Engineering iDirect has announced a major breakthrough by successfully completing its first 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Proof of Concept (PoC), marking a pivotal milestone in the advancement of next-generation satellite communications.
The achievement demonstrates the company’s ability to integrate satellite connectivity seamlessly into the global 5G ecosystem, supporting the growing demand for reliable, high-speed communications in remote, underserved, and mobility-driven environments.
Expanding 5G into Space
The successful PoC showcases how 5G technology can be extended beyond terrestrial networks to include satellite systems, enabling enhanced coverage and interoperability. This innovation is particularly significant for defense, maritime, aviation, and emergency response sectors, where continuous and resilient connectivity is mission critical.
By leveraging advanced waveform technology and adaptive resource management, ST Engineering iDirect has proven the viability of NTN integration, a cornerstone of the 3GPP Release 17 standard that defines the role of satellite in 5G networks.
Industry Significance
As nations and industries race to adopt 5G NTN solutions, this milestone positions ST Engineering iDirect as a key player in shaping the future of space-enabled connectivity. The company’s progress underscores the importance of satellite technology in bridging the digital divide, supporting critical national security missions, and powering global communications infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
ST Engineering iDirect is continuing to collaborate with industry partners, standardization bodies, and operators to accelerate the development of commercial 5G NTN applications. The company’s vision includes supporting scalable, flexible solutions that align with evolving government, enterprise, and consumer connectivity needs worldwide.
