Keysight and Samsung Pioneer First Live NR-NTN Band n252 Connectivity, Accelerating Satellite-to-Cell 5G
According to Keysight Technologies, the company, in collaboration with Samsung Electronics, has successfully demonstrated the first live New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN) connection in 3GPP band n252 under Release 19 specifications. The landmark trial was conducted at CES 2026 and signifies a critical step toward the commercialization of Direct-to-Cell (D2C) satellite communications.
Milestone Achievement: First Operational NTN System in Band n252
The announcement highlights Keysight and Samsung’s groundbreaking trial of satellite mobility and multi-vendor NTN interoperability using Samsung’s next-generation NR modem chipset. Band n252 is poised to be a cornerstone for NTN operations, enabling seamless connectivity across low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations targeting global broadband, IoT, and critical communication services.
The testing setup utilized Keysight’s NTN Network Emulator Solutions to simulate multi-orbit LEO scenarios, enabling comprehensive system validation. By pairing this with Samsung’s commercial-grade silicon, the trial successfully measured user throughput, standards compliance, and inter-satellite handovers. Keysight and Samsung’s partnership has now validated all major NTN FR1 frequency bands, including n255 and n256, marking a major consolidation for the ecosystem.
Why This Matters: Game-Changer for the Telecom and Satellite Markets
The global telecom industry has seen a steady pivot toward integrating satellite capabilities into 5G and beyond. The NTN framework underpins the vision for seamless connectivity in coverage gaps across rural regions, oceans, and even aerial platforms. According to the Global Satellite Communication Market report, the sector is expected to grow to $62 billion by 2028, driven largely by LEO constellations and New Radio (NR) advancements like NTN.
Keysight and Samsung’s validation of band n252 directly impacts major players in the satellite and telecom ecosystems. Competitors including Qualcomm, Apple, and SpaceX’s Starlink are also exploring D2C communications but have yet to demonstrate such interoperability milestones within NTN. This positions Keysight and Samsung as technology enablers for OEMs, satellite operators, and carriers gearing up for global 5G connectivity solutions.
For industries reliant on IoT—such as agriculture, logistics, and emergency response—the scalability that NTN solutions offer could revolutionize operations, especially when paired with real-time data-sharing abilities in remote locations.
Future Outlook: Transition from Trials to Full Commercialization
The successful demonstration represents a significant step toward de-risking and speeding up the timeline to deploy NTN technologies in commercial markets. As Rel-19-compliant NTN systems move out of trial phases, mass-market D2C services are anticipated to roll out as early as 2026.
Peng Cao, Vice President at Keysight, emphasized the company’s role in accelerating these deployments by creating controlled, high-precision emulation environments. This approach ensures faster design-validation cycles and better inter-satellite mobility, critical for an interconnected 6G future.
By achieving operational readiness across all major NTN FR1 bands, market stakeholders now have a comprehensive, standards-compliant framework for advancing field tests and minimizing technical uncertainties. With the possibility of multi-orbit and cross-vendor interoperability, Keysight and Samsung are paving the way for reliable, scalable satellite solutions for global connectivity.
Final Thoughts: The Road to Ubiquitous Connectivity
Keysight and Samsung’s collaboration represents an inflection point in the evolution of satellite-integrated 5G technologies, with far-reaching implications across consumer devices, IoT, and enterprise applications. As telecom and satellite operators aim to bridge the digital divide, how will this transformational technology impact daily communications worldwide?
How do you see the integration of satellite networks reshaping global connectivity in the upcoming years? Share your thoughts below!
