In a significant step for global mobile connectivity efforts, Intelsat (now part of SES) and SoftBank Corp. have made progress in their partnership to develop a ubiquitous 5G network that combines terrestrial cellular and satellite infrastructure. This initiative, which also includes Cubic³, aims to create a continuous, high-speed mobile network bridging the gap between ground-based and space-based networks for consistent, high-speed connectivity for vehicles and mobile devices wherever they are.
Breakthrough Testing Milestone
The first phase of testing for seamless handoffs between satellite and cellular networks was recently completed. Using off-the-shelf SD-WAN solutions and Intelsat’s FlexMove Fleet service, a connected vehicle maintained reliable service while moving between public 5G cellular and satellite coverage areas.
Ken Takagi, Director of Business Development at Intelsat, described the test as an important milestone in proving the concept: “Our collaboration with our partners at SoftBank Corp. to develop and demonstrate truly ubiquitous 5G global networking got off to a great start with the successful completion of the initial phase of testing.”
Around the same time, Intelsat and Cubic³ also successfully ran a test to combine satellite connectivity with Cubic³’s software-defined platform; another important step in the partnership’s larger goal of creating a ubiquitous, seamless network.
Transforming Global Connectivity
The initiative represents a big step towards bringing mobile broadband to underserved areas. The system will initially leverage geostationary (GEO) satellites for areas lacking ground coverage with plans to transition to low Earth orbit (LEO) systems for improved latency and bandwidth.
Bruno Fromont, Intelsat’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of this development stating, “By combining Intelsat’s satellite expertise with Cubic³’s innovative connectivity platform, we’re creating solutions that will keep vehicles connected anywhere in the world, enabling critical functions from broadband connectivity, diagnostics to eventually supporting autonomous driving capabilities.”
The Ubiquitous Network is designed to meet 3GPP 5G standards, including roaming, making it scalable and compatible with existing infrastructure. This is essential for deployment and easier integration with mobile devices and vehicle platforms.
A Unified Future
Maintaining seamless 5G service across terrestrial and satellite networks is crucial as more industries and vehicles depend on real-time data and connectivity. This partnership could play a key role in transforming how the world stays connected.
