Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) play a crucial role by providing reliable, resilient, and ubiquitous connectivity that complements traditional ground-based networks – today, mission-critical systems use NTN to provide backhaul for wide area networks and/or deployable network assets.

As NTN evolves, direct-to-device solutions will extend coverage to these users. This synergy between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks ensures extensive coverage, enabling uninterrupted communication during emergencies, thus bolstering the effectiveness of mission-critical operations worldwide.

3GPP has been actively working to integrate satellite communication into 5G NR, NB-IoT, and LTE-M standards. Integrating NTN into 3GPP technology allows chipset and device vendors to target mass-market solutions by ensuring standardization across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. This promotes economies of scale, lowering costs and accelerating development, while enabling widespread adoption of NTN-compliant devices across diverse markets.

This new white paper from Ericsson looks at the key challenges that this technology must overcome to become suitable for mission-critical users. 

Continue reading the full white paper here