In a remarkable technological feat, Russia has successfully tested a satellite-based 5G communication system, even as its terrestrial 5G networks remain undeployed. The breakthrough, achieved by the Foundation for Advanced Research (FPI) and Telecom-Proekt-5, marks a pivotal moment in the global race for next-gen connectivity—one that could redefine how nations approach hybrid space-ground networks.
The tests, conducted in Tomsk Oblast, demonstrated a 5G-enabled airborne link capable of simultaneously controlling five unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from a flying laboratory aboard a TVS-2MS aircraft, which mimicked a low-orbit satellite. The system showcased stable signal transmission between the airborne hub and ground-based terminals, simulating 5G smartphones—a crucial step toward integrating satellite and terrestrial networks seamlessly.
Key Figure Behind the Breakthrough
| Name | Role | Organization | Key Contribution | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yan Chibisov | Head of Aviation & Space Tech Center | Foundation for Advanced Research (FPI) | Led the 5G satellite demo, emphasizing hybrid networks for drones and IoT devices. | FPI Official Site |
Why This Test Matters
1. A Hybrid Network Revolution
The FPI’s experiment wasn’t just about satellite-to-ground links—it was a proof-of-concept for hybrid 5G networks that blend space and terrestrial infrastructure. As Yan Chibisov noted, this paves the way for:
- Real-time drone swarming (critical for defense and logistics)
- IoT ecosystems in remote areas (oil fields, Arctic zones)
- Disaster response networks where ground infrastructure fails
2. Russia’s Answer to Starlink and Qianfan
While SpaceX’s Starlink dominates satellite internet, and China’s Qianfan constellation aims for 15,000 satellites, Russia’s Bureau 1440 (backed by IKS Holding) is advancing its own 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) satellites. Last year, it launched three low-orbit satellites with 5G NTN support, targeting global coverage by 2027.
3. The Ground 5G Dilemma
Despite the satellite success, Russia’s terrestrial 5G rollout lags, with only 16 cities expected to have coverage by 2030. Analysts blame:
- Spectrum shortages (3.4–3.8 GHz bands are reserved for security agencies)
- Limited investment in ground infrastructure
The Global Implications
A New Space-Based 5G Era?
Russia’s test aligns with a broader shift toward 5G NTN, where satellites complement ground networks. Companies like Eutelsat OneWeb and Intelsat are racing to integrate 5G core networks into their constellations, with commercial devices expected by 2026–2027.
Challenges Ahead
- Regulatory hurdles (spectrum allocation for satellite-terrestrial handoffs)
- Device compatibility (most smartphones lack NTN support)
- Cost barriers (affordable user terminals remain elusive)
Conclusion: A Bold Step, But the Race Isn’t Over
Russia’s 5G satellite demo is a strategic win, proving that space-based networks can fill gaps where ground infrastructure falters. Yet, without a parallel push for terrestrial 5G, the nation risks falling behind in the global connectivity race.
For now, the message is clear: The future of 5G isn’t just on the ground—it’s in the skies.
