6G will put satellite connectivity in every smartphone and device

Imagine being stranded after a devastating natural disaster – no phone signal, no Wi-Fi, no way to seek help. The thought of being unable to reach out for help, to call for rescue, or to simply let loved ones know you're safe, can be a terrifying prospect. But what if, in the midst of chaos, your phone could still reach out – directly through space like in Star Trek? 

This is the promise of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), an emerging technology that will put satellite connectivity into everyday cellular devices. NTN isn’t just a concept. It’s a real system technology supported in 5G. But NTN’s real promise will come in 6G when it will become a standard capability in nearly every device right from day one.

The Present: NTN is already happening with 5G

The first wave of 3GPP NTN-enabled devices is now hitting the market, leveraging the advancements of 3GPP Release 17. These first devices are based on NB-IoT over NTN and are included in smart phones like the Google Pixel 9 and the Samsung S25, allowing for sending emergency texts in case of no terrestrial coverage.   

By harnessing the power of NTN, mobile operators are expanding their reach and building more robust networks that can thrive in areas where traditional connectivity falters – in remote regions, during catastrophic events, and in situations where infrastructure is severely impacted. 

Figure 1: Complementary Strengths of NTN and TN

This breakthrough in always-on connectivity has profound implications for communications. NTN ensures that emergency calls, voice communications and mobile broadband services are accessible everywhere, at any time. Most importantly, it enhances public safety, emergency response and disaster-relief efforts by enabling timely and reliable communication when it matters most.  

The Future: Evolving toward 6G

The evolution of NTN within 3GPP has been rapid and increasingly impactful, with each release introducing significant new capabilities. What began as foundational work in Release 17, where the basic NTN functionality was first specified, has quickly matured into a critical pillar of 5G.

Release 18 built on that foundation by broadening device support, including the introduction of Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) device types. It also brought enhanced mobility features, making NTN a more practical option for real-world scenarios such as maritime, aeronautical and remote-area coverage.  

The momentum continued with the recently completed Release 19, which introduced regenerative architecture – a major step forward in how satellite payloads can process and relay signals. Alongside this came multiple improvements to performance, capacity and interoperability, strengthening NTN’s role as a native part of 5G rather than just an add-on. 

Looking ahead, these evolutionary steps are paving the way for 6G, where NTN will not only complement terrestrial networks but become an integral component of future networks. While the main use cases will remain the same – coverage everywhere, lifeline in crises, public safety – NTN’s technical capabilities will take a significant leap forward.  

Figure 2: NTN evolution from the 3GPP perspective

The key advancements in NTN with 6G are:

• NTN in every single device: Future 6G phones and gadgets will come ready to connect to space-based networks as NTN will become a fundamental component of the 6G device technology, like Wi-Fi or GPS is today. This integration will eliminate the need for separate devices or the need to check if a phone is NTN capable before bringing it to a remote area, making NTN a ubiquitous component of our connected world, enabling text, voice and mobile broadband everywhere. This is part of Nokia’s single technology stack vision.
• No GNSS needed: Where in 5G, NTN devices need to have Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities. With 6G this is no longer needed. Devices will be able to connect without relying on systems that can be jammed or disrupted, ensuring more reliable and secure connectivity.
• TN – NTN Interworking. As NTN becomes an integral part of our connected world, ensuring seamless service continuity between terrestrial networks (TN) and NTN is crucial. This interworking capability will enable users to maintain uninterrupted connectivity as they transition between different network environments, whether they are in urban areas or remote regions. By providing a unified experience, TN-NTN interworking will revolutionize the way we communicate and access services, making it possible to stay connected anywhere, anytime.

NTN paves the way for solutions to today’s problems

As we reach this critical mass in NTN, we will see the technology benefits society in a multitude of ways, transforming how we live, work and interact with one another. 

First, NTN will help bridge the digital divide, providing access to communication services for people in remote areas, thereby fostering global connectivity and inclusiveness.

Second, in times of crisis, NTN will enable emergency responders to communicate effectively, saving lives and reducing the impact of disasters. This will be particularly crucial in areas with limited or no traditional infrastructure, where NTN can provide a vital lifeline.

Third, NTN will facilitate the growth of industries such as remote healthcare, education and commerce, creating new opportunities for rural businesses and individuals. This, in turn, will drive economic growth and development, particularly in regions that were previously underserved.

Finally, by incorporating NTN with advanced disaster anticipation and recovery strategies, we can ensure that our infrastructure remains robust against natural disasters and disruptions. This approach helps safeguard service continuity and strengthen the overall network reliability. 

The sky is no longer the limit. With 6G and NTN, we're building a future where connectivity is truly global – always available, always resilient and built for the moments when it matters most.