ITRI Takes a Giant Leap in 5G NTN Technology with Multi-Orbit Trials

ITRI's Revolutionary Trials in Multi-Orbit 5G NTN Technology

On March 14, 2025, the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative to establish 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards in collaboration with prominent partners such as Eutelsat, MediaTek, and Airbus. This partnership has resulted in the world’s first operational trials of 5G NTN technology using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, showcasing the immense capabilities and potential of satellite-based connectivity systems.

The Trials: A Look at Innovation in Action

The focus of the trials was to demonstrate a 5G air interface that operates effectively in both LEO and geostationary satellite environments. Under this initiative, ITRI successfully connected a 5G terminal device equipped with a MediaTek NR-NTN test chip to the ITRI NTN gNB. This was accomplished via a Ku-band satellite link through the Eutelsat's OneWeb satellite, allowing seamless traffic exchange.

Further breaking ground, ITRI, in collaboration with Chunghwa Telecom (CHT), also accomplished a five-star demonstration of 5G NTN wideband connection using a geostationary satellite. By utilizing CHT's commercial ST-2 satellite, they created a trial environment where they conducted a bi-directional video call over a Ku-band ST-2 satellite link, adhering to the 3GPP NTN specifications. This impressive feat successfully tackled the challenges posed by the complex and dynamic GEO propagation environment.

Achievements and Future Implications

The successful trials have yielded significant results, achieving high-spectrum efficiency of up to 2bps/Hz. This breakthrough signifies a substantial leap towards achieving greater interoperability between satellite networks and terrestrial communication infrastructures. With the 5G NTN ecosystem continuously evolving, these tests will pave the way for enhancing commercial 5G broadband satellite access.

ITRI's Vice President, Pang-An Ting, emphasized the importance of these developments, stating, "The successful demonstration of 5G multi-orbit NTN satellite connectivity using ITRI NTN gNB not only proves the flexibility and innovative design of the NTN base station but also sets the stage for the seamless convergence of NTN/TN broadband connectivity for 5G devices." The advancements indicate that the mobile industry is approaching a point where multi-orbit satellites will seamlessly complement terrestrial networks, leading to widespread connectivity solutions.

Collaboration and Industry Engagement

Industry giants like MediaTek and Chunghwa Telecom are enthusiastic about the potential these trials unlock. Chung-Yung Chia, President of Chunghwa Telecom Network Technology Group, reiterated the commitment to integrating satellite technology evolution with industry collaboration, stating, "We will keep working closely with government agencies, private sectors, and research institutions to integrate multi-orbit satellite resources to drive the growth of Taiwan's satellite industry."

MediaTek, recognized as a leader in connectivity solutions, echoes these sentiments, reinforcing its mission to ensure accessibility in remote areas by enabling innovative satellite connectivity. Mingxi Fan, Senior General Manager of Wireless Technology Group at MediaTek, remarked, "We are now another step closer to bring the next generation of 3GPP-based NR-NTN satellite wideband connectivity for commercial use worldwide."

The Future of Connectivity

The integration of 5G standards into satellite networks suggests transformative possibilities for the future of smartphones, automotive technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT). With the advancements made through ITRI's leadership, the global NTN market is poised for potential growth, leading to unprecedented advancements in connectivity solutions.

As ITRI continues to innovate and collaborate with industry partners, the goal of ubiquitous and seamless connectivity is becoming ever clearer. The trials not only highlight the institution's commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology but also herald a promising future for global communication networks.

For more information about ITRI and its initiatives, visit ITRI's official website.