The next generation of mobile technology, 6G, will mark a milestone by natively integrating satellite connectivity into all smartphones and connected devices. Nokia, a pioneer in developing non-terrestrial networks (NTN) within the international 3GPP standard, is currently working to enable .
NTNs have already been incorporated into the 5G ecosystem thanks to advancements introduced in 3GPP version 17, which added support for NB-IoT over satellite networks. Some current phones, like the Google Pixel 9 and the Samsung S25, already offer the ability to send emergency messages via satellite when terrestrial coverage is unavailable. However, it will be with the advent of 6G that this feature becomes a standard characteristic, available on nearly all devices from their launch.
“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 designed for the moments that matter most,” says Jeroen Wigard, Senior Research Project Manager at Nokia.
Technical advances paving 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 improved mobility features, preparing NTN for real-world scenarios like maritime, aeronautical, and remote coverage.
The momentum continued with version 19, recently completed, which introduced regenerative architecture—a significant advancement in how satellite payloads can process and retransmit signals. It also added multiple performance, capacity, and interoperability improvements, reinforcing NTN’s role as a native component of 5G rather than just an accessory.
New 6G capabilities to achieve global coverage
With 6G, NTNs will reach a new level of integration and performance. Key advances include:
- NTN on all devices: Future 6G phones and devices will be equipped to connect to space networks, as NTN will become a core element of 6G technology, just like Wi-Fi or GPS today.
- No GNSS needed: While 5G NTN devices require Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) capabilities, this will no longer be necessary with 6G. Devices will connect without relying on systems prone to interference or outages, ensuring more reliable and secure connectivity.
- Interoperability between TN and NTN: This interoperability will allow users to maintain seamless connectivity while transitioning between different network environments, whether in urban areas or remote regions.
A more connected and resilient future
Beyond the technical scope, Nokia-powered NTNs will contribute to social and economic development worldwide.
NTN will help reduce the digital divide by providing communication access to people in remote areas, promoting global connectivity and inclusion. In times of crisis, NTN will enable emergency services to communicate effectively, saving lives and mitigating disaster impacts. It will also support the growth of sectors such as healthcare, education, and remote commerce, creating new opportunities for businesses and individuals in rural areas. By integrating NTN with advanced disaster anticipation and recovery strategies, we can ensure our infrastructure remains resilient against 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 for all.