Qualcomm is committed to integrating non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) with terrestrial networks (TNs) to achieve seamless, ubiquitous connectivity. One of the company's efforts is prototyping NTN communications in alignment with 3GPP Release 17, which introduces satellite-based cellular connectivity into the standards framework. This includes adaptations to the physical layer to handle propagation delays and Doppler shifts, support for transparent and regenerative satellite payloads, uplink timing adjustments to account for long round-trip times, and mechanisms to compensate for frequency errors.

By focusing on the convergence of NTNs and TNs, Qualcomm aims to extend reliable mobile coverage to underserved and remote areas, ensuring consistent user experiences regardless of location. This strategic direction underscores Qualcomm's vision of a future where integrated network architectures provide comprehensive, high-performance connectivity on a global scale.