Euro TRANTOR Project Completes Multi-Year 5G Advanced Satellite Network Research Programme
Europe’s TRANTOR project has completed its three-year programme to research a range of technologies aimed at advancing 5G Advanced and pre-6G non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
Led by the Telecommunications Technology Center of Catalonia (CTTC) and comprising the Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS, HispaSat, Indra, Inster-Grupo Oesía, Quadsat, Software Radio Systems, Starion, and the University of Luxembourg, the consortium developed a multi-orbit, multi-band satellite architecture compatible with 5G NTN, alongside new user terminals, base stations, AI-driven network management tools and security technologies for future satellite communications.
A key milestone was the completion of what the project describes as Europe's first 5G NR-NTN broadband transmission using the Hispasat 30W-6 satellite. The demonstration validates standards-based satellite broadband over 5G NTN and provides a foundation for manufacturers to begin developing compatible terminals and infrastructure.
The project also explored how satellite operators can transition from legacy DVB-based systems towards 5G NTN, opening opportunities for services including direct-to-device connectivity, connected vehicles and tighter integration between terrestrial and satellite networks.