Bittium announced its plans to continue its collaboration with Canadian mobile satellite operator Terrestar Solutions, advancing the next phase of development for a standards-based 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) solution that enables direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity.
The solution allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites for services such as SMS, chat, voice, and email—delivering critical mobile functionality in remote and underserved areas. First exhibited at Mobile World Congress 2025, the solution marks a major step in Terrestar’s vision to extend mobile service where traditional infrastructure ends. The value of the development services awarded to Bittium is approximately €2 million.
The partnership focuses on developing the first-generation of standardised NTN telecom service that brings NB-IoT capabilities to smartphones. It supports the emergence of satellite as the third mode of mobile access, alongside terrestrial infrastructure and Wi-Fi. This follows Terrestar’s broader roadmap to deliver seamless, secure, and standards-aligned mobile services through hybrid satellite-terrestrial architectures. Bittium contributes deep expertise in wireless hardware and software optimised for performance, efficiency, and compact design.
“We are proud to continue successful co-operation as a main development partner. Bittium has a long history of developing satellite user devices for most demanding environments,“ said Jari Inget, Vice President, Engineering Services, Bittium.
“This collaboration is a key step in delivering on our commitment to make mobile connectivity truly ubiquitous,” said Jacques Leduc, President of Terrestar Solutions. “Satellite is becoming the third mode of mobile access, and our open network model ensures that terrestrial operators can extend their coverage, without giving up spectrum. Our Sat Companion device acts as a bridge—enabling everyone to stay connected, everywhere and with everything—complementing both current and future NTN-capable devices from major manufacturers.”
Terrestar and Bittium will continue joint testing and integration throughout 2025, with pilot deployments planned in collaboration with mobile network operators (MNOs). This collaborative effort complements Terrestar’s broader roadmap, including the planned launch of a low earth orbit (LEO) constellation designed to enable mobile coverage across Canada, Europe, and the Arctic. Terrestar’s network is architected to land traffic within sovereign jurisdictions—providing a standards-based, secure alternative for governments and operators seeking control over data routing and infrastructure.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by visiting our LinkedIn page.
