Samsung Electronics has made history by becoming the first company to successfully demonstrate standard 5G non-terrestrial networks modem technology. This breakthrough innovation is expected to have an impact on various aspects of telecommunications, with the most immediate benefit being improved cell coverage for rural and disaster prone areas. The expansive non-terrestrial networks project uses 5G standards according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP Release 17). This ensures that it remains future compatible with telecom carriers, device makers, and chip companies. Other major tech players such as T-Mobile, AT&T, Apple, Qualcomm and Microsoft are also getting involved in space connectivity related projects. To execute this success Samsung utilized its Exynos Modem 5300 reference platform which was used to simulate the connection and accurately predict satellite locations while minimizing frequency offsets caused by the Doppler shift. Until now sending satellite signals directly to mobile phones at speeds that are usually associated with 5G networks was not possible. But thanks to this monumental advancement it is now a reality.
The successful demonstration of 5G non-terrestrial networks modem technology could be a game changer for satellite communication worldwide. It opens up a plethora of new possibilities which were previously seen as being too ambitious or too technologically advanced for practical use. For Samsung this success is a stepping stone towards achieving its 6G ambitions. But regardless of whether it reaches its end goal or not, this latest milestone is sure to have far reaching impacts across industries and geographies worldwide — transforming the way people communicate while providing access to previously unreachable services in remote locations. As 5G networks continue to expand and more people gain access to satellite communications, the possibilities are limitless. Samsung’s achievement of standardization for 5G non-terrestrial networks modems is an important step in this direction. It is expected that other companies will soon follow suit and make similar advancements with their own products — leading us further down the road to ubiquitous connectivity.
Samsung’s accomplishment will lead to many new possibilities for satellite communication and is a major milestone in the telecommunications industry. With this breakthrough, telecom carriers, device makers, and chip companies will be able to develop products that are capable of making use of 5G standards and provide better coverage to rural and disaster prone areas. This could also mean a brighter future for space-based internet, with 5G non-terrestrial networks providing access to previously unreachable services in remote locations. Ultimately, Samsung’s accomplishment is an important step towards 6G technology and more accessible satellite communication—leading us further down the road to a more connected world. With the development of this technology, Samsung has signaled its ambition to become a leader in satellite communication and beyond.