Non-terrestrial networks: engineering the future of global connectivity

5G now reaches nearly 80% of the world’s population, yet covers less than half of the Earth’s landmass. Bridging this remaining coverage gap will require Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)—integrating satellites and other airborne platforms into the cellular ecosystem.

However, extending cellular connectivity into space presents unique engineering challenges. Signals must travel much greater distances, operate under strict power constraints, and maintain reliable communication with satellites moving at speeds of up to 27,000 km/h.

In this episode of Reference Plane, Daniel Bogdanoff speaks with Abhishek Kalapatapu about how NTN extends the capabilities of 5G, why it is a critical enabler for future 6G systems, and what engineers need to know as cellular networks expand beyond terrestrial infrastructure. Their discussion covers the technical challenges of placing base stations in orbit, the 3GPP standards developments that make NTN possible, and the realities of testing satellite-enabled cellular networks in the lab today.