Fraunhofer Demonstrates Ka-Band 5G NTN Link Over GEO Satellite

Fraunhofer IIS has demonstrated a broadband 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) connection over geostationary orbit, using Germany’s Heinrich Hertz satellite to test high-bandwidth links in Ka-band.

The trial, conducted in April 2026, achieved data rates of up to 137 Mbps using 50–100 MHz of bandwidth based on 3GPP Release 18. The setup included custom-built transmission and reception equipment at Fraunhofer’s Erlangen facility, as commercial 5G NTN gateways and terminals capable of operating at these bandwidths are not yet widely available.

In addition to throughput, the team successfully demonstrated a seamless handover between two satellite beams, which is a key requirement for maintaining connectivity in mobile scenarios such as maritime and in-flight services. The implementation required modifications on both the 5G base station and user equipment, built on a software-defined architecture using OpenAirInterface.

While Ka-band is already established in traditional satellite communications, its use for end-to-end 5G signals at these bandwidths remains largely untested. The results suggest that GEO satellites could support higher-capacity NTN services as part of future 3D network architectures, complementing lower-orbit systems with wider coverage and more stable throughput.

The work forms part of the Heinrich Hertz mission led by the German Space Agency at DLR and reflects ongoing efforts to align satellite communications more closely with 5G standards.

SOURCE: https://www.iis.fraunhofer.de/en/pr/2026/press-release-high-bandwidth-GEO-satellites.html