Rohde & Schwarz and Viasat Team Up to Validate Satellite IoT Devices
Rohde & Schwarz and Viasat have announced a collaboration to develop a certification-focused test plan for NB-NTN (Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network) IoT devices, aimed at improving reliability and interoperability for satellite-connected IoT.
The partnership focuses on validating chipsets, modules and end devices against 3GPP Release 17 standards, ensuring they can operate seamlessly on Viasat’s satellite network. The goal is straightforward: reduce fragmentation in the emerging satellite IoT ecosystem and make sure devices work reliably once deployed.
Testing will span protocol, RF and performance scenarios using Rohde & Schwarz’s CMX500 one-box signaling tester, which supports both NB-NTN and NR-NTN development, from early R&D through certification and operator acceptance.
The companies say stronger test frameworks are essential as satellite IoT moves from pilots to scale, particularly for applications in remote or underserved areas where terrestrial coverage is limited or unavailable.
Initial results from the joint test plan are set to be shown at MWC Barcelona 2026, highlighting increasing industry focus on standards-based validation as a way to accelerate commercial deployment.