Ericsson, Qualcomm and French aerospace company Thales announced a collaboration to test and develop 5G connectivity using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. The companies said that in order to determine the feasibility of such an endeavor, they have conducted a series of studies and simulations, and now, are prepared to begin smartphone use case testing and validation of the 5G non-terrestrial networks (5G NTN).
According to Ericsson, such a project could lead to “global coverage for wideband data” when using a 5G smartphone. Because 5G connectivity delivered by low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites is expected to provide coverage in extreme geographies or remote areas, such as seas and waterways where terrestrial coverage is absent, 5G smartphones, for the first time, may be capable of connectivity in locations previously only connected via legacy satellite systems.
