Keysight Technologies, Inc.  has demonstrated the first end-to-end New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network (NR-NTN) connection in 3GPP band n252 under Release 19 specifications, achieved in collaboration with Samsung Electronics using Samsung’s next-generation commercial NR modem chipset (part number not stated). The live trial, conducted at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, validated satellite-to-satellite (SAT-to-SAT) mobility and cross-vendor interoperability, establishing a key milestone for direct-to-cell (D2C) satellite communications and NTN commercialization.

The successful validation of band n252 marks the first public confirmation of this spectrum band in an operational NTN system. Band n252 is expected to be a foundational component for upcoming low Earth orbit (LEO) constellations targeting global broadband and IoT coverage. This result demonstrates tangible progress toward large-scale NTN integration supporting ubiquitous, standards-based connectivity for consumers, connected vehicles, IoT devices, and critical communications.

Together with earlier demonstrations in bands n255 and n256, Keysight and Samsung have now validated all major NR-NTN FR1 frequency bands end-to-end. This consolidation enables ecosystem participants—including modem vendors, satellite network operators, and device manufacturers—to analyze cross-band mobility, inter-satellite handovers, and radio performance under consistent, controlled NTN emulation conditions.

The demonstration leveraged Keysight’s NTN Network Emulator Solutions to replicate multi-orbit LEO scenarios, emulate SAT-to-SAT mobility, and execute complete end-to-end routing while supporting live user traffic over the NTN link. When paired with Samsung’s chipset, the setup verified standards compliance, user throughput performance, and multi-vendor interoperability, providing a high-fidelity validation environment that accelerates system testing and time-to-market for NR-NTN deployments targeted for global scaling in 2026.

This integration underscores the readiness of 3GPP Release 19-compliant NTN technologies to transition from proof-of-concept trials to operational field testing, supporting the broader industry goal of realizing seamless terrestrial–non-terrestrial 5G networks within the Rel-19 framework and paving the way for future 6G NTN evolution.

For network operators, device OEMs, and satellite providers, this consolidation of NTN FR1 coverage provides a reference environment to evaluate cross‑band handovers, inter‑satellite mobility, and multi‑vendor interoperability before field deployment. By moving live NR‑NTN testing with commercial‑grade silicon into an emulated LEO constellation environment, the solution is positioned to reduce integration risk, compress trial timelines, and accelerate commercialization of direct‑to‑cell NTN services anticipated to scale from 2026.