SoftBank and Intelsat Join Forces to Create Seamless 5G-Satellite Network

Japan’s SoftBank has entered into a strategic collaboration with Intelsat to develop a unified “Ubiquitous Network.” This partnership aims to create seamless 5G connections that integrate terrestrial mobile networks with satellite communications. By harnessing the strengths of both technologies, SoftBank and Intelsat seek to enhance global connectivity, allowing users to stay connected from anywhere in the world using a single device and account.

Research and Development Initiatives

In a joint statement, Intelsat highlighted that the new solution will leverage existing standard architectures, interfaces, and processes that facilitate device roaming between terrestrial cellular networks. This approach is expected to expedite the commercial adoption of mobility solutions based on the latest 3GPP 5G standards for non-terrestrial networks.

Key Goals of the Collaboration:

• Universal Device Development: A primary objective is to create a universal device capable of maintaining connectivity irrespective of the user’s location. This technology will facilitate seamless transitions between terrestrial 5G networks and satellite communications, making it particularly beneficial for applications in land, maritime, and disaster response sectors.
• Hybrid Network Integration: The collaboration seeks to align standards that enable the interconnection of satellite and terrestrial networks, a challenge that has persisted in the industry. Recent advancements in 5G-based standardization for non-terrestrial networks, spearheaded by Intelsat at 3GPP, position this partnership to effectively design and implement commercial hybrid services.

Insights from Leadership

SoftBank’s Chief Technology Officer emphasized the importance of integrating terrestrial and satellite networks. He stated, “By using technology that switches between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite communication networks through roaming, we can integrate the two previously separate networks and utilize satellite communication as an extension of mobile communication.”

Phased Development and Commercialization

The partnership between SoftBank and Intelsat will progress through several phases, including design, development, field testing, and commercialization of new hybrid network products. This phased approach will align with the ongoing development of new 3GPP 5G non-terrestrial network standards. The resulting hybrid solutions will enable the use of existing satellite terminals in the near term while facilitating the transition to newer 5G-based terminals as they become available.

Important Information

• Collaboration Objective: Develop a seamless hybrid communication solution connecting terrestrial and satellite networks.
• Technology Benefits: Enables global connectivity via a single device and account, facilitating easy transitions between network types.
• Key Applications: Enhancements will support diverse applications, including land-based, maritime, and disaster response services.
• Phased Implementation: The development will occur in phases, adapting to new 3GPP 5G standards for non-terrestrial networks.