From Ground to Space: Seamless Integration of 5G-NTN

Why It Matters

Integrating 5G with satellite networks expands global coverage and defense capabilities, creating new commercial opportunities and driving standards‑driven investment across telecom and space sectors.

Key Takeaways

• 5G and NTN now officially part of unified multi‑domain network
• 3GPP releases 17‑20 drive satellite integration standards for 5G
• MSSA enables consumer devices with satellite SOS and NB‑IoT voice
• NATO adopts 5G cellular communications standard for defense operations
• Technical hurdles include GNSS reliance, mobility, and multi‑orbit interoperability

Summary

The panel, hosted by Tom Stout of the Satellite Industry Association, examined how 5G and non‑terrestrial networks (NTN) are converging into a single, multi‑domain communications fabric that spans ground, air and space.

Panelists highlighted that 3GPP releases 17 through 20 have already codified satellite links, with release 20 adding NB‑IoT voice over satellite. Commercial roll‑outs such as Google’s Pixel SOS service and MSSA’s NB‑IoT voice trials demonstrate early deployment, while NATO has formalized a 5G cellular communications standard for defense under STANAG 5665.

Colonel Jeff Koulard emphasized the military PACE plan, noting 5G as the primary link for rich media at the tactical edge. John Stevenson recalled NATO’s “people, process, technology” mantra, and Nandan Dash pointed to a new 3GPP study on GNSS‑resilient architectures triggered by these discussions.

The consensus is that seamless integration will broaden coverage, improve resilience and open revenue streams for satellite operators and telecom vendors, but it hinges on solving GNSS dependence, mobility constraints and building open, multi‑orbit architectures as the industry moves toward 6G.

Original Description

Recorded at Defense Communications Forum 2026.

Speakers:

Nandan Das, Global Head of Wireless Standards, MSSA/Viasat, Mobile Satellite Services Association

John Stephenson, Communications Services Team lead, Interoperability and Standardization, NATO HQ, NATO

Colonel Jeffrey Couillard, Division Chief, Interoperability and Coalition Division Transport and Infrastructure, U.S Army

Amina Boubendir, Head of Research and Standardisation, Airbus Defence and Space

Tom Stroup, President, Satellite Industry Association