The initiative – dubbed U DESERVE 5G – forms part of France’s €54 billion France 2030 innovation program and aims to demonstrate the feasibility of “direct-to-device” (D2D) satellite communications.
A low-Earth orbit demonstrator satellite will be launched to test seamless switching between terrestrial 5G networks and satellite coverage, a key step towards achieving uninterrupted global connectivity.
The trial will involve a full end-to-end system, including a dedicated 5G payload with active antenna, a satellite platform, ground infrastructure and test mobile devices. Crucially, it will be compatible with Release 17 of the 3GPP 5G standard and will support both data and voice connections directly between satellite and phone without relying on ground relay stations.
Stéphane Anjuère, 5G venture leader at Thales Alenia Space, said the project is built on years of work standardising satellite 5G.
“With our experience in geostationary and low-orbit constellations, we’re ideally placed to support future large-scale direct-to-device projects,” Anjuère said.
The push for satellite-enabled 5G comes as global demand for always-on connectivity grows, alongside recognition of its role in maintaining resilient communications during crises.
The consortium behind U DESERVE 5G brings together leading players across telecommunications and space:
- Capgemini will deliver radio access solutions and 4G/5G core networks.
- Thales will assess a 5G D2D terminal with directional antenna, operating in the future C band.
- Orange will provide operator expertise and host the trial at its Bercenay facility.
- SES will examine implementation of D2D services.
- Qualcomm will supply a test mobile device compatible with 5G non-terrestrial networks.
Loft Orbital will handle the spacecraft platform, assembly, integration, testing, launch reservation and satellite operations.
Alexandre Bottero, vice president of networks and infrastructure systems at Thales, said the trial would lay foundations for the next wave of global mobile communications.
“By developing 5G non-terrestrial network modem solutions that enable high-speed connectivity in even the most remote areas, we’re stepping up our commitment to a more connected and resilient world,” he said.
If successful, the project is expected to position France – and Europe more broadly – at the forefront of next-generation mobile-satellite convergence, with major implications for internet of things applications, emergency response and global coverage.