Telecomms companies to bring 5G into space

As the plan to bring 5G around the world continues to heat up, a group of three European companies is looking for the next step: to set up networks in the Earth's orbit.

A coalition led by Ericsson, involving French aerospace group Thales and Qualcomm, is looking to take 5G out of this world, gaining approval for non-terrestrial satellites that could help increase global coverage.

Read more: China accelerates plans for first solar panel station in space

The result of peerless research, which included multiple studies and simulations, the next stage will involve the parties entering focusing testing to see if the network will work for smartphones. 

The team hopes having 5G satellites further out to orbit could make easy global coverage a reality, which could be particularly useful for parts of the world where internet coverage - wireless or otherwise - is limited.

This could include coverage "in extreme geographies or remote areas across seas, oceans and other locations where terrestrial coverage is absent", Ericsson revealed.

Due to how interlinked it is with our day-to-day lives, the UN has declared that access to high-speed internet is a fundamental human right. It did this in hopes of bridging what is referred to as the "digital divide" - which is more critical than ever post-Covid.

Low-Earth orbit satellites are already a thing and are already used in networks. The use of satellites has long been considered vital in implementing 5G networks, but it is currently unknown whether networks will extend beyond the reach of low earth orbit.

Outside of increased consumer roaming data, it could also increase connectivity for industrial sectors such as transportation, energy and healthcare. 

It could also provide reliable backups for terrestrial - or ground - networks in the event of major outages or natural disasters.

“This testing and validation cooperation between Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies will be a major milestone in the history of communications as the ultimate result could effectively mean that no matter where you are on Earth – in the middle of an ocean or the remotest forest – high-end, secure and cost-effective connectivity will be available through collaborative 5G satellite and terrestrial connectivity", Ericsson's CTO Erik Ekudden said. 

John Smee, the senior vice president for technology at Qualcomm added: “For 5G to fulfil the promise of ubiquitous connectivity, it is imperative that it can also deliver network coverage in areas where terrestrial cellular networks do not exist, whether that be over oceans or in remote areas".

The coalition was given the go-ahead for a non-terrestrial network back in March by the 3GPP the global telecommunications standards’ body  - reportedly the first time the agency has supported the use of these networks.

This testing will help the firms test out all parameters for 5G use in low-Earth orbit and how well the connection is received. Most preliminary testing will take place in France, where the majority of the EU's spaced sector is located.

Experts will use ground-based equipment to emulate the 5G signals, including estimated delays between space and the ground, while also testing the connection from different locations.

“While it is too early to say when any resulting 5G equipped prototype satellite could be launched into orbit for real operational use, the highly technical ground-based testing and validation work planned between Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies is key to making it happen", Ekudden added.

“The deployment of 5G networks marks a leap for the telecoms industry. It is a game-changer, not only in terms of business opportunities but also in the skills required to connect and protect billions of people and things", said Philippe Keryer, the EVP for strategy, research and technology at Thales.

 The research will demonstrate the belief of our companies that 5G non-terrestrial Networks will contribute to this revolution and will take network resiliency and security to the next level". 

Read more: Giant catapult that launches satellites into orbit to get NASA test

As a project backed by the 3GPP, the team will have access to standardised products and parts, which will also allow the inclusion of the body's tech in the networks.

This could allow future networks to use the satellites with ease, which would only increase opportunities for interconnectivity should the tests prove fruitful.

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