The world of telecommunications has for the first time witnessed a successful direct connection of a 5G network to a satellite in low Earth orbit. Why do leading experts call this experience a milestone in the development of the global internet? What changes await users if mobile communications become truly ubiquitous and independent of ground towers?
Why direct 5G connection with a satellite is a breakthrough
The successful experiment by the European Space Agency (ESA) and telecommunications company Telesat in the fall of 2023 became a breakthrough in the industry. For the first time, it was possible to achieve a direct connection to the LEO 3 satellite, moving in low Earth orbit, using a standard 5G network and equipment.
Experts note that until now, such connections were limited to the use of traditional ground infrastructure or worked only with geostationary satellites, whose technical base did not allow for high speed and low data transmission latency.
The new achievement marks a transition to the integration of space and mobile technologies, when a regular smartphone or IoT modules will potentially be able to connect directly to satellites. The significance of this event can hardly be overestimated, as it paves the way for a truly global internet, where connectivity is available not only in cities but also in the most remote corners of the Earth.
What is 5G NTN and low Earth orbit satellites
The term NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) means “non-terrestrial network” and implies connection to mobile communications using satellites and unmanned platforms. In this case, we are talking about LEO satellites, which operate at altitudes from 500 to 2000 km above the Earth's surface. This location provides low signal latency compared to geostationary devices located at an altitude of about 36 thousand km.
Geostationary satellites move synchronously with the rotation of the planet and remain fixed over a single point, but their signal arrives with noticeable delay, which complicates the use of interactive services, online calls, and autonomous systems. While LEO satellites quickly pass over the Earth's surface, they are able to provide stable and high-speed connectivity, which makes them unique for deploying next-generation networks.
How the experiment was conducted and what innovations were implemented
The key events unfolded at the ESA 5G/6G laboratory in the Dutch research center ESTEC. For the experiment, the Telesat LEO 3 demonstration satellite was used, specially designed for testing new communication technologies. The equipment on the ground was connected to the satellite using a solution from Amarisoft, and data transmission was carried out in the Ka-band frequency range, which is characterized by high throughput.
A feature of the work was the need to maintain a stable connection with a rapidly moving object: the satellite began its movement from a low position above the horizon, rose to 38°, and descended again, while the connection was maintained throughout the entire pass window. Similar experiments had previously been conducted only with geostationary satellites, where there is no need to track the movement of the satellite over the Earth. This time, for the first time, it was possible to achieve stable 5G connectivity specifically with a low Earth orbit device, which requires complex synchronization and dynamic equipment management.
What opportunities does the new technology open up for everyday life
The introduction of direct satellite 5G connectivity can fundamentally improve accessibility to a whole range of services. Applications already being considered include providing telemedicine assistance in remote regions, creating uninterrupted internet access for autonomous transport, supporting emergency services in crisis situations, as well as providing passengers with high-speed internet on board aircraft.
In real life, this could mean that a doctor will be able to conduct an online consultation with a resident of a remote village without connection delays, a car will be able to receive up-to-date road information even in a desert area, and rescue teams will be able to exchange videos and coordinates in conditions of destroyed infrastructure. The question arises: will regular smartphones become truly “limitless” and will users stop depending on the operator's coverage area?
In modern conditions, this is indeed relevant, since people are used to always being connected. This is not only a matter of necessity, as in the situations described, but also of comfort. High-speed internet is now used for a wide variety of purposes, including work. But whereas previously remote workers and freelancers were limited by the operator's coverage areas, the introduction of the new technology will open up even more opportunities for them.
The same applies to the field of entertainment. If previously there was a large gap between urban and remote residents, 5G connection with a low Earth orbit satellite allows them to play the same online games. This is especially important for young people who plan to receive higher education in a big city and do not want to feel a cultural divide.
The possibilities of such connectivity are also good news for fans of gambling platforms. They will be able to easily connect and use all available features. Online casinos are now actively attracting new players with no deposit bonuses. This was also confirmed by our experts, who, in preparing the article, visit twinspinca.com and a number of thematic sites. So far, visitors to gambling platforms and fans of regular online games cannot yet boast the ability to play anywhere, but they have every chance to do so.
Who is behind the project and what are their roles
Three key organizations stand behind the experiment: ESA, Telesat, and Amarisoft. The laboratory and coordination of the tests were carried out by the European Space Agency, and the LEO 3 satellite belongs to Telesat—one of the world's leading satellite communications operators. The technological platform was provided by the French company Amarisoft, known for developing solutions for virtual mobile networks. Standardization was handled by the international group 3GPP, which develops generally accepted mobile communication protocols.
As noted by Antonio Franchi, head of NTN at ESA: “This project confirms Europe's leadership in space technologies and mobile communications. We are opening new horizons for people and business.” Telesat's Director of Spectrum Mario Neri emphasizes the uniqueness of the experiment: “The 5G NTN test in the real world using the Ka-band on a LEO satellite was conducted for the first time—this is a step towards making satellite communications part of everyday life.”
How open standards are changing the approach to global communications
A significant innovation of the experiment is the use of open standards approved by the 3GPP organization. Unlike proprietary technologies, which require special equipment and limit compatibility, open standards allow the user to connect to any compatible network, regardless of the device manufacturer or operator. This simplifies the introduction of new services, reduces infrastructure costs, and makes connectivity more accessible to residents of various countries. The possibility of seamless switching between terrestrial and satellite networks opens up prospects for unified global roaming. In theory, the user will be able to stay connected even in hard-to-reach places, without thinking about the type of network.
How ESA is developing the integration of satellite and mobile networks
The 5G connection experiment became part of the large ESA Space for 5G/6G program, aimed at creating sustainable and universal communication systems. This initiative is designed to integrate mobile and satellite networks to ensure connectivity anywhere and anytime.
According to Alberto Ginesi, head of satellite telecommunications at ESA, “the validation of 5G NTN standards in practice opens the way for new projects such as IRIS²—the future European satellite constellation for high-speed internet access.” For Europe, this approach serves to strengthen technological leadership and create next-generation exportable solutions.
What prospects and challenges does the industry face
The implementation of satellite 5G networks promises significant expansion of coverage and reduction of the digital divide between megacities and remote areas. However, the industry also faces challenges: it is necessary to create cheaper devices capable of operating in new frequency bands, address spectrum regulation issues, and ensure data security. According to experts, the mass adoption of “space-based” mobile internet will require improvements to both terrestrial and satellite components. Despite this, the initiators of the experiment are confident that in the coming years the technology will begin to change the communications market, making it truly global and accessible to all.