Telefónica and Sateliot have achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully extending 5G connectivity into space, marking a historic moment in the telecommunications industry. This test, under the supervision of the European Space Agency, involved providing satellite coverage extension to Telefónica's cellular network through standard GSMA roaming, using a regular SIM card on an IoT cellular device, which seamlessly switched to the Sateliot network.
To complete the test, a cutting-edge technology called 'Store & Forward' was implemented. This two-step authentication method was specially designed to support standard roaming with an operator and adapted for use in the Non-Terrestrial Network in low earth orbit. The 'Store & Forward' technology allows data to be stored when the satellite is out of reach of a ground station and forwards it when it re-enters the coverage range. This feature is particularly advantageous for Sateliot's 'delay-tolerant' IoT services, especially in its early-stage satellite constellation, where the number of satellites is currently limited.
The successful test proves that a standard roaming connection can be authenticated by the Telefónica core through Sateliot networks, paving the way for the latter to enter commercial operations for space-based connectivity by 2024.
In essence, this achievement means that Telefónica will become the first operator to offer customers 'NB-IoT everywhere-in-the-planet' connectivity, combining cellular and satellite standard NB-IoT networks with commercial standard NB-IoT devices. In simpler terms, this signifies the provision of IoT 5G connectivity in hard-to-reach areas.
Marco Guadalupi, CTO of Sateliot, expressed his excitement, stating that this successful endeavor is the result of years of research and development in the 'Store & Forward' two-step authentication procedure. This unique position enables Sateliot to establish roaming extension for NB-IoT NTN delay-tolerant applications. He believes this advancement will revolutionize future 3GPP networks, leading to reduced costs based on low-density constellations and minimized ground segment infrastructure, ultimately benefiting space activities and reducing time-to-market.
Antonio Franchi, Head of Space for 5G and 6G Strategic Programme at the European Space Agency, praised Sateliot's important milestone in integrating Low-Earth orbit and NTN with roaming capabilities in 'Store & Forward' mode and two-step authentication into a 5G cellular network. This remarkable achievement marks a disruptive advancement in standard satellite IoT services, driving the digitalization of the world and revolutionizing the utilization of satellite capabilities for the global connectivity and communication benefit.
In the satellite connectivity space, numerous firsts are being claimed, including two-way voice calls conducted by Lynk and AST SpaceMobile. Additionally, BT and OneWeb achieved the 'first real-world example' of connecting remote areas via LEO satellite, such as the remote island of Lundy off the Devon coast.
Looking ahead, the combination of groundbreaking technologies like GPON and routers with 5G and satellite connectivity will undoubtedly drive further innovation in the telecommunication industry. The seamless integration of these technologies will expand network capabilities, enhance global connectivity, and empower the IoT industry to reach even the most remote and challenging locations.
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