ST Engineering iDirect has successfully completed a critical proof of concept (PoC) demonstrating full interoperability between its satellite ground system and a 5G Core network. This advancement marks a significant step in integrating non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) with the global 5G ecosystem through its proprietary Interworking Gateway Function.
The PoC confirms that non-3GPP satellite networks can now appear as fully compliant components within the 5G architecture. This achievement supports the company’s hybrid strategy to bridge satellite and terrestrial infrastructures, enabling scalable, efficient global connectivity for operators without requiring extensive infrastructure upgrades.
A key highlight of the PoC is the successful use of existing satellite waveforms such as DVB-S2X and Mx-DMA MRC, while still leveraging the operational advantages of 5G Core networks. This allows satellite operators to enhance performance and reliability even before the full development and deployment of satellite-optimized 5G New Radio (NR) waveforms.
Another important feature demonstrated was inter-provider roaming, which enables seamless service transitions across different satellite and terrestrial networks. This capability empowers operators to expand coverage into new regions and orbital zones, boost operational flexibility, and offer differentiated services to customers—all while ensuring secure and continuous connectivity.
Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer at ST Engineering iDirect, commented “Our vision is to build a truly interoperable satellite communications environment where users can seamlessly move between terrestrial and space-based networks. This proof of concept is a major step forward, confirming the practical viability of our hybrid approach and preserving operator investments while advancing toward next-generation 5G NTN infrastructure.”
Looking ahead, the company plans to enhance its system with satellite-optimized gNodeB technology, 5G NR waveform support, and hybrid User Equipment (UE) that can effortlessly switch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. These developments are expected to pave the way for future 5G and even 6G architectures, delivering unprecedented global coverage and network flexibility.
ST Engineering iDirect, a business unit of ST Engineering, is a global provider of satellite communications solutions. With over four decades of expertise, the company supports mission-critical connectivity across sectors such as mobility, government, and media. Known for its robust and reliable iDirect-branded technologies, the company helps clients enhance operational efficiency, expand service offerings, and remain competitive in an evolving satcom landscape. In 2007, iDirect Government was established to specifically serve the needs of U.S. defense and government operations, further solidifying the company’s reputation as a trusted partner in high-performance satellite solutions.
