Gilat Demos 5G NTN End-to-End Connectivity over GEO Satellite
Gilat Satellite Networks has demonstrated 3GPP-compliant 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity over a geostationary (GEO) satellite, marking a technical milestone aimed at integrating satellite and terrestrial 5G systems.
The demonstration validated end-to-end standardized 5G NTN services using GEO satellite infrastructure, including both VSAT and hub technologies. A key focus was addressing GEO-specific challenges such as high latency, with successful testing of latency compensation and protocol optimization required for reliable 5G performance over long-distance satellite links.
The result shows that existing GEO assets can support standardised NTN services without requiring entirely new orbital systems. Gilat said this could help mobile network operators extend coverage beyond terrestrial footprints while enabling tighter interoperability between space and ground networks.
Gilat has positioned the achievement as part of a broader roadmap toward multi-orbit NTN support spanning GEO, MEO and LEO environments.