Keysight Technologies announced a groundbreaking end-to-end live new radio non-terrestrial networks (NR-NTN) connection in band n252, as defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) under Release 19, achieved using Samsung Electronics’ next-generation modem chipset. The demonstration, taking place at CES 2026, includes live satellite-to-satellite (SAT-to-SAT) mobility using commercial-grade modem silicon and cross-vendor interoperability, marking an important milestone for the emerging direct-to-cell satellite market.
The achievement also represents the public validation of n252 in an NTN system, a new band expected to be adopted by next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations.
Reliable global connectivity is a growing requirement for consumers, vehicles, IoT devices, and critical communications. As operators, device manufacturers, and satellite providers accelerate investment in NTN technologies, this achievement shows decisive progress toward direct-to-cell satellite coverage.
With the addition of n252 alongside earlier NTN demonstrations in n255 and n256, all major NR-NTN FR1 bands have now been validated end-to-end. This consolidation of band coverage is critical for enabling modem vendors, satellite operators, and device manufacturers to evaluate cross-band performance and mobility holistically as they prepare for commercial NTN services.
Keysight’s NTN Network Emulator Solutions recreate realistic multi-orbit LEO conditions, SAT-to-SAT mobility, and end-to-end routing while running live user applications over the NTN link. Together with Samsung’s chipset, the system validates user performance, interoperability, and standards conformance, providing a high-fidelity test environment that reduces risk, accelerates trials, and shortens time-to-market for NR-NTN solutions expected to scale in 2026.
The demonstration integrates Samsung’s next-generation modem chipset with Keysight’s NTN emulation portfolio to deliver real, standards-based NTN connectivity across a complete system. The setup validates end-to-end link performance, mobility between satellites, and multi-vendor interoperability, essential requirements for large-scale NTN deployments.
Peng Cao, Vice President and General Manager of Keysight’s Wireless Test Group, Keysight, said: “Together with Samsung’s System LSI Business, we are demonstrating the live NTN connection in 3GPP band n252 using commercial-grade modem silicon with true SAT-to-SAT mobility. With n252, n255, and n256 now validated across NTN, the ecosystem is clearly accelerating toward bringing direct-to-cell satellite connectivity to mass-market devices. Keysight’s NTN emulation environment enables chipset and device makers a controlled way to prove multi-satellite mobility, interoperability, and user-level performance, helping the industry move from concept to commercialisation.”
