LMT and Novaspace to Develop Latvian 5G/6G Satellite Communications Hub

Latvian Mobile Telephone (LMT) Group and space consultancy Novaspace have agreed to develop a strategy for a 5G/6G terrestrial and non-terrestrial network innovation hub in Latvia, aimed at connecting the country's telecoms sector more closely with Europe's satellite industry.

The proposed platform will draw on ESA's 5G/6G NTN Hub model and explore areas where Latvia could contribute distinctive capabilities rather than duplicating existing European facilities. Potential areas include satellite-terrestrial network integration, resilient critical infrastructure, security and the development of commercial communications technologies and services.

The initiative builds on LMT's existing satellite connectivity work. The operator is already collaborating with ESA and Sateliot on dual-mode IoT technology designed to allow devices to move between terrestrial mobile and satellite networks. LMT sees the proposed hub as a way to expand that work towards broader 5G NTN and eventually integrated 6G communications.

Novaspace will help define the hub's technical and commercial positioning through the EU-funded FIERCE Ecosystem Building Programme. The work will include identifying Latvia's potential role within the wider European NTN ecosystem and developing links with research organisations, industry partners, funding programmes and other satellite initiatives.

At this stage, the project is a strategy and ecosystem-development initiative rather than a commitment to build a specific satellite or network infrastructure. Its significance lies in Latvia positioning its existing telecoms expertise as part of Europe's emerging 5G/6G space communications supply chain, particularly as terrestrial and satellite networks become more closely integrated.