Chunghwa Telecom, in partnership with the Institute for Information Industry of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, has successfully integrated the ST-2 high-orbit satellite with a 5G base station, marking a global first in achieving two-way video calls using the 3GPP 5G NR NTN (new radio for non-terrestrial networks) standard.
This milestone not only aligns with the latest 3GPP Release 19 specifications but also represents a significant step toward seamless satellite-5G network integration. The collaboration established a 5G NR NTN verification site at Chunghwa Telecom's Yangmingshan Satellite Station, incorporating the ST-2 satellite, a newly developed NR NTN base station, an NR NTN mobile device, and Chunghwa Telecom’s satellite transponder.
Leveraging extensive expertise in mobile and satellite communications, the team successfully navigated technical hurdles such as high latency and signal attenuation in the Ku band, operating at a 36,000-kilometer orbit. The tests validated end-to-end satellite video calls and data transmission, underscoring Chunghwa Telecom’s leadership in mobile-satellite system integration.
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Chung-Yung Chia, President of Network Technology Group, Chunghwa Telecom, said, "With our deep network technology and R&D (research and development) strength, Chunghwa Telecom will continue to promote the layout of satellite technology and industry cooperation. In the future, we will work closely with the government, enterprises, and satellite research institutions to integrate multiple satellite network service resources and jointly promote the upgrade and globalization of Taiwan's satellite industry."
Chunghwa Telecom’s involvement in the 3GPP mobile communication standards organization played a crucial role in this breakthrough. As the lead operator for the 3GPP NR NTN Ku band (10.7-14.5GHz) project and a key contributor to satellite communication standardization, the company’s efforts have laid a strong foundation for advancing next-generation satellite communication technologies.
Pang-An Ting, General Director of Information and Communications Research Laboratories, highlighted Taiwan’s innovation in satellite communication and 5G integration through its collaboration with Chunghwa Telecom. Ting also emphasized the lab’s commitment to advancing independent technology, with plans to further strengthen research and development efforts to build a competitive satellite industry ecosystem. Additionally, he expressed the intention to collaborate with industry partners to seize new opportunities in the global satellite communication market.
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