Gilat Satellite Networks completed an end-to-end demonstration of 3GPP-compliant 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity over a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, validating standardized 5G NTN performance across its VSAT terminals and hub infrastructure. The trial confirms that high-performance 5G services can run over existing GEO satellite systems while meeting key 3GPP requirements for non-terrestrial integration.
The demonstration verified core 5G NTN capabilities tailored for GEO environments, including latency compensation mechanisms and protocol optimizations designed to address the long round-trip delay inherent in satellites operating at approximately 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above Earth. By validating standardized 5G NTN VSAT and hub technologies, Gilat demonstrated how satellite and mobile network operators can extend 5G coverage beyond terrestrial footprints without proprietary adaptations.
For mobile network operators, the milestone shows how 5G NTN can integrate with terrestrial networks to provide coverage in rural, remote, maritime, and disaster-recovery scenarios where conventional cellular infrastructure remains unavailable or cost-prohibitive. Gilat said it will continue advancing its 5G NTN roadmap through additional trials, ecosystem partnerships, and commercial deployments spanning GEO and non-GEO constellations.
• End-to-end validation of 3GPP-compliant 5G NTN over GEO satellite
• Demonstrated 5G NTN VSAT and hub technologies
• Addressed GEO latency with compensation and protocol optimization
• Enables terrestrial–non-terrestrial 5G network integration
• Targets satellite operators and mobile network operators seeking extended coverage
“Our vision is to implement 3GPP standards for GEO, MEO and LEO orbits,” said Aharon Mullokandov, Chief R&D Officer at Gilat. “Satellite operators and mobile network operators will be able to expand coverage, improve resilience, and accelerate service deployment. Gilat continues to advance its 5G NTN roadmap with further trials, ecosystem partnerships, and commercial solutions across GEO and non-GEO satellite environments.”
🌐 Analysis: Gilat’s demonstration aligns with growing operator interest in standardized 5G NTN as defined by 3GPP Release 17 and subsequent enhancements, which formalize satellite integration into the 5G core. As competitors across GEO, MEO, and LEO pursue direct-to-device and hybrid satellite–terrestrial architectures, interoperability and standards compliance are becoming critical for scalable commercial deployment. Gilat’s focus on GEO compatibility positions it to address backhaul, mobility, and resilience use cases while multi-orbit strategies reshape the broader satellite connectivity market.
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