Rendering of a 5G Skytower LEO satellite. Photo: Thales Alenia Space

Capgemini, Thales and Thales Alenia Space have won a key direct-to-device (D2D) contract in France. The three companies have been selected by the French Space Agency (CNES) as part of a government-backed call for projects under the France 2030 program to lead a demonstration of 5G D2D connectivity. The three companies announced the initiative on Sept. 9.

The project named U DESERVE 5G will demonstrate the feasibility of direct communications between satellites and mobile devices or fixed terminals (5G direct to device, or D2D). A demonstrator satellite will be placed in LEO to test interoperability between terrestrial and non-terrestrial 5G networks. The project will use a set of scenarios to evaluate how smoothly devices can switch between satellite and terrestrial 5G coverage.

The key technology for the project is a 5G satellite payload with an active antenna. It will enable voice calls and data transmission directly between the satellite and a test mobile device, without routing via a ground station. The demonstrator will include all components of the chain: test satellite, payload, NTN ground segment and test mobile devices.

“This new 5G D2D project paves the way for Thales Alenia Space to provide high-speed coverage in areas not served by terrestrial networks, as well as emergency or continuity services in crisis situations. By leveraging its expertise in geostationary telecommunications and medium- and low-Earth orbit constellations, our company has played a key role in the standardization of 5G by satellite and is ideally positioned to support future large-scale 5G D2D projects,” Stéphane Anjuère, 5G Venture Leader of Thales Alenia Space, said in a statement.