London, October 19, 2023 – Eutelsat OneWeb, part of the satellite communications company Eutelsat Group, today confirmed that its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation has successfully connected to 5G mobile networks and supported 5G QoS levels for the first time. . This milestone brings ultra-fast cellular connectivity to remote and rural areas one step closer.
The success of the 5G tests is thanks to the Sunrise Programme, a partnership supported by the European Space Agency. The initiative aims to unite the industry around large-scale programs to drive significant progress and foster economic growth. Through this demonstration, the University of Surrey will transform Surrey’s 5G core into a cell site via its LEO satellite constellation, which is made up of over 600 satellites in orbit and is the second largest satellite constellation in the world. Tested the 5G mobile network by connecting.
Researchers tested video conference calls, video streaming, gaming, virtual and augmented reality content, and simple web browsing over the constellation-assisted connection. LEO constellations enable services to provide high-speed, low-latency connectivity to enable these applications. The test also highlighted seamless and smooth handover between LEO network and terrestrial network, providing users with a smooth 5G connectivity experience.
Barry Evans, Professor of Satellite Communications at the University of Surrey’s 6G/5G Innovation Center (6G/5GIC), said: “It was impressive to see no loss of quality when using the 5G connectivity enabled by the LEO constellation. We’re one step closer to increasing internet access for more people.
“The work performed in the 5G pilot test demonstrated the feasibility of 5G backhaul over LEO satellites.”
Eutelsat OneWeb connectivity works using a 4G-like system. The Surrey researcher matched his 5G quality level of his mobile network to his 4G quality level of his LEO network. This enabled end-to-end support for all applications trialled in the project.
Eutelsat OneWeb is part of the Eutelsat Group, which also counts the UK government as a strategic shareholder, and recently signed a 4G and 5G network backhaul contract with Australia’s Telstra.
Professor Rahim Tafazoli, Director of the Communication Systems Institute at the University of Surrey, added: “This is a fantastic achievement from many points of view. Surrey’s standards-compliant 5G core will work perfectly with large-scale satellite satellite and terrestrial networks. We are pleased to be able to help solve the challenges of the digital divide and aim for ubiquitous, high-quality coverage of broadband services.”
Massimiliano Radovaz, Eutelsat Group Chief Operating Officer, added: “We are delighted to be working with the University of Surrey and ESA on these 5G pilot tests, which highlight the huge potential of our LEO service to serve mobile users in rural and remote areas. We remain focused on expanding access to connectivity around the world as we look to activate global coverage later this year.”
Javier Benedicto, Acting Director for Connectivity and Secure Communications at ESA, said: “We are proud today to collaborate with leading telecommunications operators such as Eutelsat OneWeb and their partners, including small and medium-sized businesses and academia, under the Sunrise Partnership Project. ESA is committed to innovating in response to commercial needs. With shelf components and flexible project management to bring innovative technologies to market, we are helping to accelerate innovation in 5G connectivity in the competitive global communications satellite market.”
Harshbir Sangha, Mission and Capability Delivery Director at the UK Space Agency, said: “It is great that the LEO network has successfully connected to the 5G mobile network, whether it means better broadband services in remote areas or the ability to respond more effectively. , demonstrating the huge potential of innovative technologies to enhance connectivity and improve people’s lives in emergencies.”
