MSSA Joins 3GPP to Support Satellite-Mobile Standards

The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) has become a Market Representation Partner (MRP) of 3GPP, following approval at the standards body's 56th Organizational Partner meeting on 22 October 2026. The appointment gives the association a formal channel to contribute industry requirements and market perspectives to the development of future mobile communications standards.

MSSA brings together satellite operators, mobile network operators, chipset manufacturers and technology providers working on the integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). Its participation will focus on areas including direct-to-device satellite connectivity, terrestrial-satellite roaming, spectrum management, interoperability and NTN deployment architectures.

As a Market Representation Partner, MSSA will be able to communicate coordinated industry priorities to 3GPP, helping ensure that emerging specifications reflect the operational and commercial requirements of satellite-enabled mobile services. The role does not give MSSA direct control over technical standards, which remain subject to 3GPP's established specification development and approval processes.

The appointment comes as the satellite communications industry moves towards greater adoption of 3GPP-based technologies, including 5G NR-NTN and standards-based IoT connectivity. Closer coordination between satellite operators, terrestrial mobile networks and equipment manufacturers is increasingly important for supporting compatible devices, roaming arrangements and services across different network environments.