ST Engineering iDirect Advances 5G Non-Terrestrial Network
ST Engineering iDirect, a global satellite communications company, has reached a significant proof of concept milestone demonstrating seamless interoperability between its ground system and the 5G Core. The milestone validates its hybrid approach to 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), uniting satellite and terrestrial networks for efficient, scalable global connectivity to operators.
Bridging satellite and 5G core networks
The proof of concept (PoC) shows that a non-3GPP satellite network can connect seamlessly within the 5G ecosystem while appearing fully 3GPP compliant, thanks to ST Engineering iDirect’s innovative Interworking Gateway Function.
The capability enables satellite operators to leverage the operational efficiencies and advanced features of the 5G Core. Meanwhile, operators can continue using established satellite-specific waveforms such as DVB-S2X and Mx-DMA MRC until the optimal satellite-focused 5G New Radio (NR) waveform becomes mature.
Importantly, the integration delivers immediate benefits without requiring costly infrastructure overhauls.
Enabling global roaming and new revenue streams
A further advancement demonstrated by the PoC is inter-provider roaming, allowing satellite network operators to extend coverage across new geographic regions and orbital paths seamlessly.
Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer at ST Engineering iDirect, explains: “Our goal is to create a unified, interoperable satcom network that enables seamless roaming between terrestrial and non-terrestrial systems, allowing customers to protect their existing investments while transitioning to a scalable, next-generation 5G NTN network.
"The hybrid methodology is foundational to our strategy and this proof of concept demonstrates how we’re making that vision a reality.”
The interoperability expands operational flexibility for operators, enhances return on investment and empowers new service differentiation. End users benefit from uninterrupted, secure connectivity and consistently high-quality application performance regardless of underlying network technology.
The road ahead: Future enhancements and standards
ST Engineering iDirect plans further developments, including satellite-optimised gNodeB technology and 5G NR capabilities designed to address 3GPP access complexities.
Additionally, hybrid User Equipment (UE) modems will enable devices to fluidly switch between non-3GPP (satellite) and 3GPP (terrestrial) systems, further simplifying network transitions and augmenting user experience.
By design, the hybrid strategy not only unlocks new interoperability capabilities today but to paves the way for a fully standardised 5G-6G future. As Sridhar notes, the vision is to unite satellite and terrestrial networks, delivering unprecedented global scalability and seamless coverage across diverse environments.
Industry impact and strategic importance
For telcos and satellite service providers, the milestone represents a critical step forward in converging satellite and terrestrial infrastructure. By enabling 5G network core utilisation alongside existing satellite technologies, the hybrid approach offers a path to accelerate 5G NTN adoption with minimal disruption.
The seamless integration enhances scalability, cost efficiency and service reach; factors essential to meeting increasing global demand for connectivity, especially in hard-to-reach and remote locations.
ST Engineering iDirect will present its 5G NTN proof of concept at World Space Business Week 2025, taking place from 15 to 19 September in Paris, France. The event brings together more than 1,600 key decision-makers.
It provides exceptional opportunities for networking and insights, making it a must-attend gathering for organisations driving the future of space technology and connectivity.
