Ericsson, Qualcomm and
Thales to take 5G into space
July 11, 2022
Ericsson Thales, and Qualcomm
Technologies, Inc. are planning to take 5G out of
this world and across a network of Earth-orbiting
satellites.
After having each conducted
detailed research, which included multiple studies
and simulations, the parties plan to enter
smartphone-use-case-focused testing and validation
of 5G non-terrestrial networks (5G NTN).
The result could effectively
mean that a future 5G smartphone could use 5G
connectivity anywhere on Earth and provide complete
global coverage for wideband data services,
including places normally only covered by legacy
satellite phone systems with limited data
connectivity capabilities.
The benefits of 5G connectivity
via low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are expected to
include coverage in extreme geographies or remote
areas across seas, oceans and other locations where
terrestrial coverage is absent.
Such widespread connectivity
would boost 5G smartphone subscriber roaming service
capabilities, as well as enabling global
connectivity for transportation, energy and health
sector 5G use cases.
The space-based network could
also be used as back-up support to terrestrial
networks in the event of major network outages or
disasters.
The expected security
capabilities of 5G NTNs mean that national
government communications may be a main use case, to
enhance safe and secure national security and public
safety government networks.
Erik Ekudden,
Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer,
Ericsson, says: "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."
John Smee, senior vice
president of engineering, Qualcomm Technologies,
Inc., says: "For 5G to fulfill on 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. Our planned
research with Ericsson and Thales will kick off an
important step in making this vital technology a
reality. We are looking forward to what this
collaboration can accomplish."
Philippe Keryer, Executive
Vice-President, Strategy, Research and Technology,
Thales, says:
"The deployment of 5G networks marks a
step change 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. Thales is
deeply involved in it through the different
activities of the Group. The
research collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm
Technologies 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. "
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