ST Engineering iDirect Unveils Hybrid 5G NTN Modem Prototype

Unveiled at the European Space Agency 5G NTN Forum, the pilot hardware demonstrates how a single device can handle disparate signal standards. The system connects via the cloud-native Intuition ground platform, which provides the necessary gNodeB capabilities to facilitate native 5G connectivity. According to Shravan Gaddam, Vice President of the CTO Office, the goal is to protect existing satellite investments while enabling a practical path toward standardized 5G NTN integration.

Beyond basic connectivity, the development team is focusing on reducing reliance on GNSS and external satellite timing data. These synchronization enhancements are intended to increase resiliency across multi-orbit environments. This technical shift represents a broader strategy to align satellite communications with the global 5G ecosystem, laying a foundation for future interoperability with 6G networks.