The telecommunications industry is rapidly embracing the potential of satellite networks (NTN) to bridge the connectivity gap. Research firm Markets and Markets forecasts a staggering growth in the 5G-NTN market, projecting a jump from £3.3 billion in 2023 to £18.6 billion by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) exceeding 40%. This integration promises to deliver truly global coverage, connecting even the most remote areas of the world.
However, achieving seamless integration between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks presents significant technical challenges. Establishing standardised interfaces, protocols, and data formats is crucial for interoperability. Industry collaboration is also essential to ensure all stakeholders are on board with the development of common standards and frameworks.
The "Cellular to Satellite Communication" Catalyst project, spearheaded by the TM Forum, addresses these challenges by creating a unified network architecture. This architecture leverages the capabilities of 5G, generative AI, and digital twin technology, integrating cellular and NTN networks to ensure continuous service, scalability, and ubiquity.
The project utilises TM Forum's Open Digital Architecture (ODA) and a suite of standards, including TMF 640, TMF 641, and TMF 638, to facilitate service orchestration and provisioning across both terrestrial and satellite networks. These standards enable automated provisioning, dynamic resource allocation, and enhanced security measures. TMF 720 Digital Identity Management, for example, strengthens data security across the supply chain, ensuring authenticated access and protecting sensitive information â a critical aspect for industries like pharmaceuticals that handle sensitive data.
The project aligns with 3GPP and ETSI standards to ensure long-term interoperability and scalability. The Catalyst team incorporates 3GPP TR 36.763, which supports Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) in non-terrestrial networks, and ETSI TR 103 611, which integrates high-altitude platform station (HAPS) systems. This integration enables 5G-NTN connectivity from various altitudes, facilitating service delivery across diverse and remote geographies and supporting a wider range of applications.
The broader implications of this integration are profound. By fostering digital inclusion, it brings essential services like healthcare and education to underserved rural regions, opening up new market opportunities and improving services such as telemedicine and agriculture. Furthermore, optimising supply chains and reducing food waste contributes to sustainability goals, lowering the environmental impact of spoiled resources. Enhanced service continuity in remote areas ensures reliability during emergencies and natural disasters, minimising downtime and operational disruptions. This resilience is crucial for maintaining business continuity, mitigating revenue losses, and ultimately preventing human harm.
The Catalyst project also paves the way for deeper industry-wide collaboration. By aligning the needs of chipset makers, equipment manufacturers, and integrators, it promotes a standardised approach. This is key to providing the confidence needed to begin production on the various additional infrastructure necessary for these networks. According to Vimal Mehta, Senior Technology Architect at TELUS, "the Catalystâs standards-driven approach is exactly what the wider market needs. By adhering to 3GPP, TM Forum, MSSA, and ETSI standards, we can genuinely foster the adoption of non-terrestrial communication services. As a result, we can expect significant savings in supply chain waste and increased profitability across sectors. More than this, the project promotes digital inclusion, sustainability, and consumer trust."
The integration of 5G and satellite networks holds tremendous potential for a more connected world. By addressing the technical challenges and fostering industry collaboration, the "Cellular to Satellite Communication" Catalyst project paves the way for a future where ubiquitous connectivity is a reality.