In today’s hyper-connected world, cellular communication technologies have transformed the way we work, learn and live. IoT has brought us closer to a seamlessly interconnected ecosystem. Yet, traditional terrestrial networks rely on ground-based infrastructure like cell towers, limiting their coverage to populated areas.
This leaves vast regions like oceans, deserts, forests and even aircraft or maritime vessels without reliable connectivity. Currently, terrestrial mobile networks cover only about 20% of the Earth’s land surface, accounting for just 6% of the planet’s total area. This coverage gap hinders global communication and restricts the potential of IoT applications in remote and inaccessible locations.
Enter non-terrestrial networks (NTN), an innovative technology standardized in 3GPP Release 17, designed to address this limitation. By integrating satellite communication with ground networks, NTN is redefining what connectivity means.
Satellite communication plays a vital role in expanding global connectivity. Unlike terrestrial networks, satellites are not constrained by geographic or environmental barriers. They provide wide coverage, extending connectivity to remote and underserved areas, including maritime and aerospace environments.
Satellite systems operate reliably in extreme terrains and weather conditions, making them resilient to environmental challenges. Additionally, satellites ensure stable connections in locations where terrestrial networks struggle, offering consistency in communication. With advancements in satellite manufacturing and the rise of low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations, deploying NTN has become more cost-effective. These innovations have paved the way for broader IoT applications, ensuring reliable connectivity for devices and systems worldwide.
NTN technology enables direct communication between satellites and user equipment (UE), addressing the limitations of terrestrial networks. As part of the 3GPP Release 17, NTN incorporates advanced features to overcome challenges inherent in satellite communication, such as Doppler frequency shifts caused by satellite motion, signal attenuation over long distances and propagation delays unique to satellite systems.
To address these issues, NTN employs sophisticated scheduling management for optimal resource utilization and HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) enhancements for improved data reliability. Uplink delay compensation accounts for propagation lags, while seamless handovers between satellites and ground networks ensure uninterrupted connectivity. These advancements enable NTN to act as a critical extension of terrestrial cellular networks, offering ubiquitous coverage and connecting diverse environments—land, sea, air and space.
Within the NTN framework, IoT-NTN focuses on IoT-specific applications by utilizing LTE-M (machine type communication) and NB-IoT (narrowband IoT) technologies. Standardized in Release 17, IoT-NTN introduces features to enhance the performance of IoT devices in satellite-based communication. Timing synchronization supports seamless operation over large distances, while HARQ improvements enhance data transmission reliability. GNSS integration ensures precise timing and positioning, making IoT devices effective across terrestrial and satellite networks. These advancements have positioned IoT-NTN as a transformative technology for applications like global asset tracking, environmental monitoring and remote sensing.
To meet the growing demand for satellite IoT applications, modules like the SIMCom SIM7070G-HP-S NTN satellite communication module can address some of the challenges of IoT applications in remote and difficult-to-reach areas. For example, this module operates on L-band and S-band frequencies, making it fully compliant with 3GPP Release 17 standards for IoT-NTN. It also integrates satellite functionality (without additional hardware) in a compact, 24 x 24 mm device.
Key features that make an integrated module essential for off-grid and remote installations include enabling data transmission, remote monitoring and emergency communication at low power consumption. This combination makes such modules suitable for maritime, transportation, agriculture, energy and emergency rescue operations where reliable and scalable satellite communication is critical.
The introduction of NTN technology and modules that enable connectivity marks a significant leap forward in global connectivity. By bridging the gaps left by terrestrial networks, NTN is unlocking new opportunities in IoT—especially in critical industries and remote regions.
As satellite communication continues to evolve, NTN will play a pivotal role in creating a truly connected world, enabling seamless communication across land, sea, air and space.
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