Firms Set To Take  5G Into Space    

Ericsson, a multinational telecommunications company, has indicated interest  to partner with French aerospace company, Thales and wireless technology innovator Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., to take 5G into space.
The company said it could also be used as back-up support to terrestrial networks in the event of major network outages or disasters.
It said the result could effectively mean that a future 5G smartphone could use 5G connectivity anywhere on earth and provide complete global coverage for wideband data services.
The firm noted that  the benefits of 5G connectivity via low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites were expected to include coverage in extreme geographies or remote areas across seas, oceans and other locations where terrestrial coverage is absent.
It  further noted that such  widespread connectivity would boost 5G smartphone subscriber roaming.
The Tide’s source gathered that  the expected security capabilities of 5G non-terrestrial networks (5G NTNs) meant that national government communications might be a main use case, to enhance safe and secure national security and public safety government networks.
The Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Erik Ekudden,  Ericsson, said “This testing and validation cooperation between Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies will be a major milestone in the history of communications.
“The ultimate result can  effectively mean that no matter where you are on earth whether in the middle of an ocean or the remotest forest, secure and cost-effective connectivity will be available through collaborative 5G satellite and terrestrial connectivity.
“The goal of the testing will be to validate various technology components needed to enable 5G non-terrestrial networks, including a 5G smartphone, satellite payload and 5G network pieces on the ground”, he said.
Ekudden noted that the initial tests would take place in an emulated space environment in France, where the majority of European space-focused industry is based.
The Senior Vice President of Engineering, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., John Smee, said for the  5G to fulfill on the promise of ubiquitous connectivity, it was  imperative that it can also deliver network coverage in areas where terrestrial cellular networks do not exist.

He hinted  that Qualcomm’s planned research with Ericsson and Thales would kick off an important step in making the vital technology a reality.

The Executive Vice-President, Strategy, Research and Technology, Thales, Philippe Keryer said :”The deployment of 5G networks marks a step change for the telecoms industry.

Keryer said that 5G was a game changer, not only in terms of business opportunities but also in the skills required to connect and protect billions of people and things.

He said the research collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm would demonstrate how 5G non-terrestrial networks would contribute to revolution and take network resiliency and security to the next level.
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