Keysight Technologies and Samsung Electronics have established a live New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN) connection in the n252 S-band. This demonstration validates 3GPP Release 19 standards using commercial-grade silicon. The achievement signals a move toward mass-market direct-to-cell satellite services by proving interoperability and mobility in a realistic testing environment.
Technical Validation of the n252 S-Band
The collaboration utilized Samsung’s next-generation modem chipset and Keysight’s NTN Network Emulator Solutions to facilitate an end-to-end live connection. This specific demonstration focused on band n252, a frequency range designated by 3GPP Release 19 for satellite communications. By successfully running live user applications over the link, the companies have confirmed that the n252 band is viable for next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations.
A critical component of the test was the demonstration of satellite-to-satellite (SAT-to-SAT) mobility. This process involves maintaining a stable connection as a signal transitions between different orbital assets. Using commercial-grade modem silicon rather than experimental prototypes indicates that the technology is approaching the maturity required for consumer and industrial hardware integration.
Consolidating NR-NTN FR1 Band Coverage
This development completes the validation of major NR-NTN FR1 bands, following previous successful demonstrations in the n255 and n256 bands. The consolidation of these bands allows the telecommunications ecosystem to evaluate cross-band performance and mobility under a unified framework. For satellite operators and device manufacturers, this uniformity is essential for scaling services across different regions and regulatory environments.
The use of a high-fidelity emulation environment allows engineers to recreate multi-orbit LEO conditions. This setup addresses the complexities of end-to-end routing and standards conformance without the immediate need for space-borne testing. By reducing the risks associated with hardware development, the industry can focus on optimizing user-level performance and interoperability across multiple vendors.
Strategic Path Toward 2026 Commercialization
The integration of Samsung’s chipset with Keysight’s emulation portfolio addresses the growing demand for reliable global connectivity. This demand spans several sectors, including consumer mobile devices, automotive telematics, and critical IoT infrastructure. The ability to provide direct-to-cell coverage ensures that devices can maintain connectivity in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable or compromised.
As the industry prepares for large-scale deployments, the focus shifts to ensuring that mass-market devices can handle multi-satellite mobility seamlessly. The validation of the n252 band serves as a catalyst for chipset and device makers to finalize designs. With the necessary standards and hardware performance verified, the NR-NTN market is positioned to scale throughout 2026, transitioning from technical proofs-of-concept to commercial satellite-enabled services.
About Keysight Technologies
At Keysight (NYSE: KEYS), we inspire and empower innovators to bring world-changing technologies to life. As an S&P 500 company, we’re delivering market-leading design, emulation, and test solutions to help engineers develop and deploy faster, with less risk, throughout the entire product life cycle. We’re a global innovation partner enabling customers in communications, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, automotive, semiconductor, and general electronics markets to accelerate innovation to connect and secure the world. Learn more at Keysight Newsroom and www.keysight.com.
