NTNs are already part of the 5G ecosystem thanks to the advancements of 3GPP version 17, which introduced compatibility with NB-IoT over satellite networks. Some current smartphones, such as the Google Pixel 9 or the Samsung S25, already allow sending emergency text messages via satellite when there is no terrestrial coverage. However, it will be with 6G that this functionality becomes a standard capability, incorporated into almost all devices from day one.
“The sky is no longer the limit. With 6G and NTN, we are building a future where connectivity is truly global: always available, always resilient, and designed for the moments that matter most,” says Jeroen Wigard, Senior Research Project Manager at Nokia.
Technical advances that pave the way for 6G
The evolution of NTN within 3GPP has been rapid and increasingly impactful. What began as preparatory work in version 17, where the basic functionality of NTN was first specified, has quickly matured into a fundamental pillar of 5G.
Version 18 expanded device compatibility, including the introduction of VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) device types, and incorporated enhanced mobility features, preparing the NTN for real-world scenarios such as maritime, aeronautical, and remote area coverage.
The momentum continued with the recently completed version 19, which introduced regenerative architecture, a significant advancement in how satellite payloads can process and retransmit signals. It also added numerous improvements in performance, capacity, and interoperability, reinforcing NTN's role as a native component of 5G, not just an add-on.
New 6G capabilities to achieve global coverage
With 6G, NTNs will reach a new level of integration and performance. Key advancements include:
NTN on all devices: Future 6G phones and devices will be ready to connect to space networks, as NTN will become a fundamental component of 6G device technology, just as Wi-Fi and GPS are today.
No GNSS required: While 5G devices require Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities, this will no longer be necessary with 6G. Devices will be able to connect without relying on systems that can suffer interference or outages, ensuring more reliable and secure connectivity.
TN-NTN interoperability: This interoperability capability will allow users to maintain uninterrupted connectivity while transitioning between different network environments, whether in urban areas or remote regions.
A more connected and resilient future
Beyond the technical sphere, the NTNs powered by Nokia will contribute to social and economic development on a global scale.
NTN will help bridge the digital divide by providing access to communication services for people living in remote areas, fostering connectivity and inclusion globally. Furthermore, in times of crisis, NTN will enable emergency services to communicate effectively, saving lives and reducing the impact of disasters. It will also facilitate the growth of sectors such as healthcare, education, and e-commerce, creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals in rural areas. By integrating NTN with advanced disaster preparedness and recovery strategies, we can ensure our infrastructure remains resilient to natural disasters and disruptions
With the arrival of 6G, Nokia reaffirms its commitment to technological innovation and to building a future where connectivity is global, secure and accessible to all.
