- Keysight Technologies and Samsung Electronics have announced the successful implementation of an end-to-end NR-NTN (New Radio – Non-Terrestrial Networks) connection in the n252 frequency band (S-band), as defined by 3GPP Release 19.
- The demonstration was presented at CES 2026.
The test utilizes a next-generation modem chipset developed by Samsung and a test environment provided by Keysight. According to the two companies, the implemented configuration integrates satellite-to-satellite mobility (SAT-to-SAT) and interoperability between multiple vendors, using a commercial-grade modem. This demonstration also represents the first known public validation of the n252 band in an NR-NTN system.
Introduced in 3GPP Release 19, the n252 band is one of the new frequency bands intended for non-terrestrial networks. It is being considered for future low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, particularly for direct-to-cell services, which aim to establish a direct link between satellites and standard mobile devices.
This demonstration comes as interest in NTN technologies grows, both for consumer use and for connected vehicles, the Internet of Things, and certain critical communication applications. Mobile network operators, component manufacturers, and players in the space sector are continuing their work to prepare for the integration of these technologies into commercial offerings.
End-to-end validation of the main NR-NTN bands
With this announcement, Keysight and Samsung indicate that the end-to-end validation of the main NR-NTN bands in FR1 now covers the n252, n255, and n256 bands. This coverage allows modem manufacturers, satellite operators, and equipment builders to analyze the operation of NTN systems, particularly in terms of mobility and multi-band management, prior to commercial deployments.
Keysight’s NTN emulation solutions replicate multi-orbit LEO constellation scenarios, including satellite-to-satellite transitions, end-to-end routing, and the execution of user applications over the satellite link. Combined with Samsung’s modem, the system is used to evaluate 3GPP specification compliance, interoperability, and user-side performance in a controlled test environment.
Both companies state that this work is part of the preparation for future NR-NTN services, with the first large-scale commercial deployments expected starting in 2026.
