SoftBank Corp. (“SoftBank”) and Intelsat have entered into a groundbreaking collaboration agreement to launch a unified “Ubiquitous Network” that will allow customers to stay connected no matter where they are. The partnership will focus on joint research and development to create seamless 5G connectivity between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite communication systems. This initiative aims to provide uninterrupted connectivity across all environments, enhancing user experience and network reliability globally.In today’s world, where constant connectivity is crucial for individuals and businesses, telecommunications play an indispensable role. However, as the era of autonomous mobility for cars, ships, drones, and other vehicles approaches, there are still vast areas lacking ground-based mobile network coverage, requiring separate devices and accounts for non-terrestrial networks.
To address this gap, SoftBank and Intelsat are collaborating to create a hybrid communication solution that will enable seamless connectivity via both terrestrial and satellite networks. This solution will allow users to stay connected worldwide with just one device and one account. The approach builds on existing standards, architectures, and interfaces that currently enable devices to roam between terrestrial cellular networks. It also leverages the new 3GPP 5G standards for non-terrestrial networks, helping to accelerate the commercial adoption of mobility solutions.
A key objective of the collaboration is to develop a universal device that remains connected wherever it travels. For instance, a future connected vehicle equipped with this technology could seamlessly switch to a satellite communication network when outside the reach of terrestrial mobile coverage. This solution will have broad applications across sectors such as land mobile, maritime, and disaster response.
The development, testing, and commercialization of hybrid network products between Intelsat and SoftBank will occur in phases, in line with advancements in 3GPP 5G non-terrestrial network standards. In the near term, existing satellite terminals will be compatible, with newer 5G-based terminals introduced as they become available.
Bruno Fromont, Chief Technology Officer of Intelsat, highlighted the shared vision of “Ubiquitous Networking” between the two companies. He noted that recent progress in 5G standardization for non-terrestrial networks, driven by Intelsat at 3GPP, has brought them closer to aligning satellite and terrestrial network standards. This will enable the development of commercial hybrid services that allow devices to roam freely between both types of networks.
Hideyuki Tsukuda, Executive Vice President and CTO of SoftBank, emphasized that by integrating terrestrial mobile and satellite networks through advanced roaming technology, they can extend mobile communication using satellite networks. Through joint research and development, SoftBank and Intelsat aim to establish a “Ubiquitous Network,” ensuring that people and devices can stay connected anytime, anywhere.
