Adoption strategies for 5G New Radio in non-terrestrial networks

Fragmented standards, legacy systems and economic uncertainty have limited the adoption of 5G New Radio (NR) in non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). Satellite operators must use ready-to-scale 5G NR applications now to remain competitive, while piloting futureproof use cases with technologies such as software-defined radios (SDRs) and regenerative payloads.

This report provides:

• an overview of 5G NR adoption, why it matters and the current progress 
• an analysis of the key challenges experienced by the satellite ecosystem in the adoption of 5G NR 
• solutions for the various actors across the value chain to accelerate the adoption of 5G NR and optimise value extraction in the process
• information about how to navigate standards releases and insight into what might come ahead
• details of plans for real interoperability and why it is a commercial imperative.