NICT, Sharp set up Ka-band gateway infrastructure for 5G NTN satellite testing in Japan

• Sharp joined NICT to build a domestic 5G non-terrestrial network testbed at Kashima Space Technology Center in Ibaraki.
• Project centers on a Ka-band parabolic gateway antenna linking satellites with terrestrial networks to support technology verification in Japan.
• Sharp led procurement, deployment of the gateway antenna, also developed 5G NTN user terminals targeting smaller, lighter designs.
• Infrastructure is slated to start operating by end-2026, pending required satellite communications licenses.
• Planned trials include mobility use cases, with vehicle, drone tests, also handover validation between cellular networks and satellites.

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