How can satellites augment 5G networks by addressing coverage and tackling complex use cases beyond ground-based infrastructure? As per its definition, non-terrestrial networks (NTN) represent a flourishing market, marked by diverse technical and commercial strategies.
Typically, partnerships between telcos and satellite operators focus on various areas such as rural and enterprise broadband, IoT/M2M applications, satellite-to-cellphone connectivity, emergency communications, and backhaul services. According to GSA findings, there is a consistent uptick in the utilization of satellite services to provide 5G connectivity.
With the current progress, rural broadband is, so far, proving to be the single biggest driver of 5G NTN momentum, accounting 57% of GSA’s identified partnerships in involving satellite connectivity. Furthermore, the increasing need for broadband, voice and data services will drive 5G NTN in direct-to-device (D2D) technology developments as well as emergency response when terrestrial networks are disrupted.
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Satellite-Based NTN
As satellite-based non-terrestrial networks (NTN) gain momentum, Juniper Research estimates that NTN could yield up to USD 1.7 billion in revenue for telecom operators. Network operators could also generate USD 17 billion of additional revenue from 3GPP‑compliant 5G satellite networks between 2024 and 2030.
Anticipated in 2024, the inaugural commercial launch of a 5G satellite network is poised to pave the way for over 110 million operational 3GPP-compliant 5G satellite connections by the year 2030. To capitalize on this growth, operators are urged to prioritize partnerships with satellite network operators (SNOs).
An NTN operation involves several components: user equipment (UE), satellites, satellite gateways, base stations (gNB), core networks (CN), and servers. Addressing challenges posed by long distances, rapid movement, and extensive coverage in satellite communication scenarios, NTN incorporates an air interface enhancement protocol. This protocol integrates cutting-edge technologies including scheduling time sequence management, HARQ function orchestration, delay compensation, frequency compensation, and enhanced mobility management for swift air-to-ground (A2G) handover.
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5G NTN Use Cases and Benefits
These deployments require a lot of investment, however, they aim to increase the coverage, capacity and capabilities offered. Being based on 5G technology, the 5G NTN will play a huge role in the future 5G ecosystem. Integrating 5G terrestrial deployments with 5G NTNs facilitates the attainment of core 5G objectives, such as delivering seamless coverage, high-speed data transmission, minimal latency, energy efficiency, and robust communication reliability.
5G NTN deployments present diverse use cases, bolstering connectivity across a spectrum of devices. Furthermore, these deployments can serve as backhaul solutions for remote sites, encompassing existing 4G/5G installations or alternative technologies like Wi-Fi.
Illustrating this synergy, China Telecom, ZTE, and SpaceIoT have pioneered the inaugural deployment of a 5G NTN, leveraging it in a maritime context. This breakthrough enables satellite-ground interaction and data transfer across various marine scenarios, facilitating real-time monitoring of water quality, temperature, and humidity, while facilitating emergency rescue missions on uninhabited islands.
In February 2024, five non-terrestrial network (NTN) providers united to establish the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA), with the aim of fostering a global direct-to-device (D2D) ecosystem for linking satellite services with mobile devices. MSSA highlighted that mobile satellite services, operating within licensed spectrum, promptly offer narrowband IoT services. Additional advantages cited include an established regulatory framework, absence of interference with terrestrial networks, and ample spectrum availability for advancing 5G-NR services.
Last year, stc penned an agreement with US-based Omnispace to develop satellite-to-phone communications services using space-based 5G connectivity in its home market of Saudi Arabia. The operator, which won a spectrum auction for NTN in the 2100MHz band, will use the SNO’s 3GPP-compliant NTN to deliver “cost-effective” broadband connectivity beyond its existing land-based network, which will benefit business clients in the agriculture, finance and automotive sectors, among others.
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5G NTN Standardization
3GPP Release 18 specifications defined the supported frequency bands for 5G NTN satellite device access. In NTN FR1 (Frequency Range 1), which spans 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, there are two key bands: n255 (NTN 1.6GHz) and n256 (NTN 2GHz). These comprise the 5G NTN band allocations for the L-band and S-band, adhering to established satellite band terminology. Conversely, the NTN FR2 (Frequency Range 2) spans 17300 MHz to 30000 MHz and falls within the Ka-band satellite band. Regarding 5G NTN, three satellite bands are currently proposed: n510, n511, and n512.
Satellites operating within FR1 of the NTN band provide direct connectivity to outdoor handheld devices, as well as devices mounted on cars or drones, through the 5G NR standard. Additionally, they connect outdoor IoT devices via the 4G NB-IoT/eMTC standard. Those operating in FR2 can furnish broadband connectivity to local networks via very small aperture terminals (VSAT) mounted on building rooftops or Earth station in motion (ESIM) terminals on mobile platforms like vehicles, trains, vessels, or aircraft.
The upcoming phase supported by Release 19 amplifies NTN performance and expands its use cases. The aim is to enhance coverage, optimize capacity, introduce multicast and broadcast services (MBS), incorporate regenerative payload, and extend support to Reduced Capability (RedCap) terminals.
By harnessing satellite-based solutions alongside terrestrial networks, 5G NTN fosters global connectivity, emphasizing disaster recovery, resilience, and smart city endeavors. It encompasses space-based 5G, catering to various sectors such as telecommunications, aerospace and defense, and remote sensing. Continuously evolving, 5G NTN will shape the future of wireless communication channels, fortified with encryption and eavesdropping protection.
5G NTN Trend and Outlook
Having said that, a 5G NTN solution, in full compliance with the 3GPP standard, has distinct advantages in terminal penetration, industrial integration and service variety, and will lead the satellite-ground converged network trend.
In the current landscape of 5G NTN, IoT-NTN short messages and IoT services emerge as frontrunners. Looking ahead, mobile phones equipped to handle 5G NTN-NR voice and data broadband services will establish direct connections with satellites. This forthcoming phase of NTN technology promises services akin to those of NTN-IoT but on a significantly larger scale. It will directly integrate smartphones and other 5G devices into non-terrestrial service frameworks. Operating at low Earth orbit (LEO) altitudes, NTN-NR satellites will facilitate low-data services, voice calls, and messaging across diverse application scenarios.
One of the common 5G NTN types is air-to-ground (A2G) networks. An example of this is SCIT Group’s SkyFive which offers A2G internet broadband services in the aviation sector, catering to both commercial airlines and business/private jets.
Moving forward, 5G-Advanced will act as a catalyst, extending connectivity to new frontiers and supporting NTN networks. This expansion ensures that connectivity becomes more accessible, reaching untapped market segments and promoting innovation across various domains.
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