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Non-Terrestrial Networks

From 5G NR-NTN milestones to mmWave research, Qualcomm is working to make satellite connectivity a core part of the 6G system

As the telecommunications industry moves toward 6G commercialization in 2029, Qualcomm is working to make non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) a foundational part of the future system rather than a niche extension of terrestrial network (TN) coverage. That work is progressing through a combination of research, prototyping and ecosystem collaboration aimed at bringing satellite communications more tightly into the mainstream mobile architecture. 

For Qualcomm, NTN is not a late addition to the roadmap. As Amira Alloum, Director of Engineering at Qualcomm France, explained, “We have started working on NTN a few years ago and our global research and prototyping team has built foundation breakthroughs over the years.” That work has followed a clear progression. In 2023, Qualcomm demonstrated 5G NTN with Ericsson. In 2024, the breakthrough was a 5G NTN over-the-air call demonstration. In 2025, the work advanced again with mobility features designed to support seamless handover from TN to NTN and back.

Broadband mmWave NTN evolution toward 6G​

Non‑terrestrial networks are rapidly evolving as the 3GPP ecosystem extends cellular connectivity beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial systems. This video explores how next‑generation broadband access terminals can take advantage of millimeter‑wave spectrum to deliver high‑performance satellite connectivity for 6G. By leveraging compact hardware, advanced beam agility, and real‑time adaptation to a moving LEO satellite, this demonstration highlights the potential for robust, high‑speed broadband access from virtually anywhere on the planet. The results point toward a future where NTN brings powerful new capabilities to users and service providers alike.

Realizing mmWave NTN on the road to 6G​

Connecting everyone, everywhere has long been the aspiration of wireless technology, and the path to 6G brings that goal closer than ever. This video highlights how millimeter‑wave non‑terrestrial networks (NTN) are poised to expand global connectivity in ways previously out of reach, enabling high‑speed links for phones, vehicles, drones, and more. Through two demonstrations, we show how real satellite‑to‑device communication and next‑generation NTN waveforms can shape the future of broadband coverage from space. Together, they reveal what becomes possible when higher‑frequency spectrum, advanced antenna technologies, and 6G‑era system design converge to deliver fast, reliable access from virtually anywhere on the planet.

Evolving non-terrestrial networks toward 6G​

As we look ahead to 6G, non‑terrestrial networks are set to redefine what it means to stay connected everywhere. This video briefly explores how expanding into millimeter‑wave satellite links opens the door to high‑performance coverage far beyond the reach of traditional terrestrial networks. From compact user terminals that autonomously track fast‑moving satellites to next‑generation smartphone‑based NTN capabilities, these breakthroughs illustrate how NTN technology will bring robust, reliable connectivity to virtually any location on Earth. This is just the start of the journey toward a truly global communication fabric. To see these innovations in action, watch our two deep‑dive demonstrations: Broadband mmWave NTN evolution toward 6G and Realizing mmWave NTN on the Road to 6G.

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