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Left: Satellite communication test site where the demonstration experiment was conducted (Toulouse, France);
Right: Sharp's Prototype Electronic Steering Array Antenna for 5G NTN user terminal
Sharp Corporation has supplied its innovative Electronic Steering Array Antenna for 5G NTN user terminals for the world's first 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) trial using Eutelsat OneWeb's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
In this pioneering trial, Sharp joined forces with industry leaders to integrate Eutelsat OneWeb's LEO satellite technology with advanced 5G communications. Eutelsat supplied access to the OneWeb LEO satellites, MediaTek Inc. provided the NR NTN test chipset, Airbus Defense and Space contributed its expertise as manufacturer of the OneWeb satellites, and ITRI delivered the NTN test gNB.
Leveraging the miniaturization and lightweight design techniques originally developed for smartphones, Sharp is advancing its Electronic Steering Array Antennas for 5G NTN application. The trial was conducted in accordance with the 3GPP*3 standards for 5G NTN, underscoring the potential of using widely adopted 5G technology in satellite communications.
By utilizing 5G technology in satellite communication, improvements in antenna components' miniaturization, lightweight design, and cost reduction are anticipated, contributing to the further development of the satellite communication market. Looking forward, as satellite communications adopt the same 5G standards used in terrestrial networks, a seamless transition between NTN and TN will become increasingly attainable. Sharp is committed to accelerating the development of 5G NTN-compatible antennas for earlier practical application.
This pioneering initiative will be showcased at the MediaTek booth (Hall 3, #3D10) during MWC Barcelona 2025, one of the world's largest mobile-related exhibitions, held from March 3 to March 6 in Spain.
Sharp's Electronic Steering Array Antenna development and part of this demonstration has been carried out with funding from the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) (JPJ012368G50501).
【 Press Released by Eutelsat 】
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*1 NTN stands for Non-Terrestrial Network, referring to a wireless communication network that utilizes satellites and/or high-altitude platforms (HAPS) without relying on terrestrial infrastructure. 5G NTN refers more precisely to the 3GPP specifications supporting such non-terrestrial infrastructure.
*2 LEO stands for Low Earth Orbit.
*3 3GPP refers to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project, an international standardization organization that develops specifications for mobile communication systems.