Keysight & Samsung: Space Satellites, the Future of Telcos

Keysight Technologies has confirmed that it has established a live new radio non-terrestrial network (NR-NTN) connection in band n252 – a new band which is anticipated to be adopted by next-gen Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations – using Samsung Electronics’ next-generation modem chipset. The demonstration took place at CES 2026 and included satellite-to-satellite (SAT-to-SAT) mobility using commercial-grade modem silicon. 

It also verifies cross-vendor interoperability and marks public validation of the n252 band, as defined in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 19. The 3GPP is the global standards body that develops technical specifications for mobile networks such as 4G LTE and 5G.

Such an achievement supports the growing focus on direct-to-cell satellite coverage. The n252 band is expected to play a central role in the development of LEO satellite constellations designed to expand mobile connectivity.

The system integrates Samsung’s modem chipset with Keysight’s NTN test environment to confirm standards-based NTN operation. The test checks SAT-to-SAT mobility, end-to-end performance and vendor interoperability, all seen as critical for scaling commercial NTN deployments.

Full validation across NR-NTN FR1 bands

Keysight states this milestone completes end-to-end validation for all major NR-NTN bands in Frequency Range 1 (FR1), adding n252 to earlier demonstrations in bands n255 and n256. These sub-7 GHz frequency bands are defined by 3GPP and form the basis of global 5G mobile networks. Their use in satellite connectivity broadens the reach of mobile coverage into areas with limited or no terrestrial signal.

The company’s NTN Network Emulator Solutions create realistic LEO conditions, simulate SAT-to-SAT mobility and run live user applications over NTN links. The setup provides a way for operators and manufacturers to test mobility and performance across different bands before commercial rollout.

By replicating multi-satellite handover and routing, the environment enables chipset and device vendors to carry out conformance testing under repeatable conditions. It supports faster development, lowers deployment risks and brings time-to-market forward for NR-NTN products.

Enabling direct-to-cell satellite services

Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, says: “Together with Samsung's System LSI Business, we are demonstrating the live NTN connection in 3GPP band n252 using commercial-grade modem silicon with true SAT-to-SAT mobility. 

“With n252, n255 and n256 now validated across NTN, the ecosystem is clearly accelerating toward bringing direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to mass-market devices. 

“Keysight’s NTN emulation environment enables chipset and device makers a controlled way to prove multi-satellite mobility, interoperability and user-level performance, helping the industry move from concept to commercialisation.”

The demonstration runs live applications over a full NTN link and shows reliable handover between satellites. A capability like this is essential for uninterrupted user experience and supports use cases across emergency response, maritime, transport and remote communications.

The solution checks both system interoperability and individual user performance. By working across vendors, it reflects the commercial environment where devices, chipsets and networks come from different suppliers.

Preparing for commercial NTN rollouts

As demand grows for universal mobile coverage, satellite and telecom providers are investing in non-terrestrial technologies. 

Direct-to-cell services aim to bridge coverage gaps without relying on ground infrastructure. Verifying NTN functionality using real silicon and defined bands is a key step toward this goal.

With the n252 band now validated alongside n255 and n256, Keysight enables vendors to carry out full-spectrum testing ahead of expected rollouts in 2026. 

The result is a working reference for vendors preparing devices for global NTN compatibility. 

Keysight positions its NTN emulation platform as a tool to help the industry reduce uncertainty, test across frequency bands and scale up satellite-based mobile services.

By confirming performance across SAT-to-SAT links in a standardised NTN system, the test sets a path for integrating direct-to-cell connectivity into mobile devices worldwide.