Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) are playing an increasingly important role in the expansion of 5G infrastructure. These systems rely on satellite and high-altitude platform integration to overcome the limitations of ground-based networks.  This includes remote rural regions, oceans, deserts, and disaster-struck areas where traditional connectivity is often unavailable.

This blog outlines the latest technical progress in NTNs, real-world applications, the role of standardization bodies like 3GPP, and what to expect as NTNs evolve alongside terrestrial 5G networks. So, now let us look into the Advancements in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) in 5G along with Smart LTE RF drive test tools in telecom & RF drive test software in telecom and Smart Mobile Network Monitoring Tools, Mobile Network Drive Test Tools, Mobile Network Testing Tools in detail.

1. Extending Coverage Beyond the Ground

The reach of terrestrial networks is inherently limited by geography, infrastructure cost, and line-of-sight restrictions. NTNs solve this by integrating satellite communication systems into the overall 5G architecture. These satellites typically operate in three types of orbits:

• Low Earth Orbit (LEO): Operate at altitudes of 500–2,000 km. Low latency (~25–50 ms), ideal for real-time services.
• Medium Earth Orbit (MEO): Around 8,000–20,000 km. Used for applications that need broader regional coverage.
• Geostationary Orbit (GEO): Positioned at 35,786 km above the equator. Provide constant coverage over fixed areas, with higher latency.

With multiple satellite types in operation, it becomes possible to maintain coverage across diverse environments, including high seas, mountainous terrain, and landlocked rural zones.

2. Support for Emergency Communications

NTNs provide an essential backup communication layer during natural disasters or network failures. For example, during earthquakes, floods, or wildfires, terrestrial cell towers may go offline due to physical damage or power loss. In such cases, NTN systems can deliver uninterrupted communication for rescue teams, first responders, and relief operations.

Satellites with direct-to-device (D2D) capabilities are already being explored. These allow users to send messages even when no local network is available. The ability to maintain communication when local infrastructure fails is not a theoretical benefit. It is already influencing public safety strategies in regions with unstable power grids or vulnerable topography.

3. Seamless Connectivity for Transportation and Logistics

Maritime, aviation, and railway systems benefit significantly from NTNs. Commercial ships, private vessels, aircraft, and trains operate over long distances that go beyond the reach of cellular base stations. Maintaining consistent connectivity across these movements is crucial for logistics tracking, telematics, entertainment, and crew communication.

Using LEO satellites, vessels at sea can stream telemetry to control centers or perform remote diagnostics on shipboard systems. Aircraft flying long-haul routes can offer continuous inflight connectivity for cockpit systems as well as passengers.

Logistics providers are also embedding NTN-supported modules into their vehicle tracking systems to ensure that shipments can be monitored without gaps, even in remote or international locations.

4. Standardization Through 3GPP Releases

For NTNs to be a functional part of 5G, compatibility and interoperability with terrestrial networks are essential. This has been addressed through standardization efforts within the 3GPP.

• 3GPP Release 17 (finalized in 2022) includes specifications for NTN integration in 5G. It defines protocols for delay compensation, mobility handling, satellite link management, and support for both transparent and regenerative payloads.
• Work is ongoing in Release 18, which is expected to include improved support for NTN mobility models and power-saving enhancements.

These releases are essential for equipment manufacturers, satellite operators, and telecom providers. Devices that conform to these standards can seamlessly operate across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks without needing significant firmware changes.

5. Improvements in Latency and Link Budget

One challenge for satellite-based 5G is latency, especially with GEO satellites. LEO constellations help reduce this delay significantly due to their proximity to Earth. Combined with modern spot-beam techniques and steerable antennas, these systems are capable of maintaining fast, reliable links even under variable user density.

AI and machine learning are also being used to predict satellite trajectories, optimize handover between satellite beams, and manage traffic load across satellite-ground gateways. This enables smoother transitions and more reliable sessions, particularly for mobile users.

From a radio performance point of view, NTNs are being optimized to handle Doppler shift, propagation delay, and power constraints by applying waveform tuning and enhanced error correction techniques.

6. Integration with 5G Core and Edge Services

NTNs are now being considered as part of 5G Core (5GC) deployments. This includes supporting authentication, session management, and data routing directly through satellite links.

In addition, some implementations are testing Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) over satellites. This allows data processing to happen closer to the end-user, even in remote regions. Use cases include remote oil rigs running analytics locally, or border surveillance stations analyzing drone video feeds in real time without sending data back to a centralized cloud.

The distributed compute layer combined with NTN backhaul unlocks scenarios where latency, data security, or bandwidth are constrained.

7. Energy and Device Considerations

Traditional satellite terminals require high-gain antennas and large power sources, which limits their deployment in consumer or IoT devices. However, recent hardware innovations are addressing this:

• Flat panel phased array antennas are being tested for mobility use cases (cars, trucks, trains).
• Chipmakers are optimizing modem power efficiency for direct satellite communication.
• IoT devices designed for NTN use are built with narrowband protocols (e.g., NB-IoT NTN), which consume minimal power and transmit small packets efficiently.

This enables long-term NTN deployment in agriculture (soil sensors), wildlife monitoring (tracking collars), and logistics (shipping container tracking).

8. Market and Industry Adoption

The demand for NTN-enabled services is growing across government, enterprise, and consumer sectors. Governments are investing in NTN-backed emergency communication platforms. Enterprises in mining, oil & gas, and infrastructure are using satellite-enabled private networks for field operations. Telecom operators are partnering with satellite companies to extend mobile coverage beyond their current terrestrial limits.

For example:

• Vodafone and AST SpaceMobile are collaborating to offer direct-to-smartphone services in Africa and India.
• AT&T and OneWeb are working together on hybrid network offerings for enterprise customers.
• Amazon’s Kuiper and Starlink are actively launching LEO satellites to provide global coverage with terrestrial integration features.

These projects reflect how NTNs are no longer experimental—they’re being treated as key assets in network planning.

Conclusion

Non-Terrestrial Networks are expanding the boundaries of what 5G networks can achieve. By combining terrestrial and satellite systems, operators can deliver service to users regardless of location, mobility, or existing infrastructure.

Whether it’s maintaining communication in a natural disaster, enabling internet access in remote villages, or powering smart systems on moving ships and planes—NTNs are becoming an essential part of global communication infrastructure.

Standardization efforts, advances in satellite hardware, and partnerships between telecom and satellite providers are accelerating this adoption. As a result, NTNs are expected to be part of mainstream 5G deployments, and eventually 6G, with even greater performance and application diversity.

About RantCell

RantCell provides cutting-edge mobile network testing and monitoring solutions designed to help operators optimize their networks and enhance user experiences. With a focus on real-time data and actionable insights, RantCell’s tools enable seamless performance analysis across GSM, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. Whether you’re conducting RF drive tests, troubleshooting connectivity issues, or optimizing network coverage, RantCell’s easy-to-use platform delivers powerful results that improve network efficiency and user satisfaction. Also read similar articles from here.

Clare Louise