Deutsche Telekom, Qualcomm, and non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications provider Skylo have successfully concluded an end-to-end trial of SMS messaging sent and received via a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite. This marks a significant first in Europe: the integration of a terrestrial mobile network with a satellite network to enable texting, adhering to 3GPP Release 17 specifications for Direct-to-Handset (D2H) connectivity.
This standards-based operator-native NB-NTN D2H approach seamlessly integrates mobile operator terrestrial networks into Skylo’s non-terrestrial network, guaranteeing ubiquitous coverage. It empowers users in areas lacking terrestrial network access to send and receive text messages globally using satellite connectivity. The proof-of-concept, executed in Greece under Deutsche Telekom’s Cosmote subsidiary, sets the stage for commercial operator-native NTN services across Europe.
“Our customers want to always stay connected. Direct-to-handset will be an add-on to our mobile networks allowing our customers to easily text from anywhere on their regular devices without any separate apps,” stated Antje Williams, SVP Business Creation, Group Technology at Deutsche Telekom. “We aim to bring this technology into the hands of our customers. The successful effort of our team together with our partners to integrate the satellite and cellular network is just the beginning.”
Parthsarathi Trivedi, CEO and co-founder of Skylo Technologies, added: “We are proud to partner with Deutsche Telekom and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to showcase the first direct-to-handset texts over satellite in Europe. Soon, subscribers won’t have to think twice about coverage before texting, whether they’re on a remote island in Greece or venturing in regions without cell coverage – it’ll be a part of their cellular service. The future of satellite connectivity is strong integration into carrier networks and we’re excited to partner with Deutsche Telekom which has been paving the way for these new services.”
Dino Flore, Vice President, Technology at Qualcomm Europe, commented: “We are pleased to announce our collaboration with Deutsche Telekom and Skylo on this significant milestone in Europe. Together, we achieved NB-NTN direct-to-handset messaging using a device powered by the Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System, strengthening the use of smartphone satellite connectivity.” “The Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System advanced capabilities provide the performance and flexibility to support these new features. We look forward to working with our partners to enhance satellite connectivity for consumers.”
The test involved sending an SMS from a device with a Cosmote SIM card via Skylo’s satellite network, utilizing Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) spectrum and adhering to 3GPP Release 17 specifications. The device incorporated the Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System and integrated NB-NTN satellite connectivity. Skylo’s commercially available non-terrestrial network was integrated into Cosmote’s production network to ensure seamless roaming between 5G terrestrial and satellite access networks. The partners highlight that the dedicated, licensed MSS spectrum for connectivity facilitates pan-European usage, overcoming cross-border spectrum coordination challenges and providing ubiquitous coverage, particularly beneficial for emergency communications or disaster response.