5G is becomes more broadly deployed across the planet, but the technology may also eventually end up in the skies. 3GPP has established, and is continuing to build upon, standards that will enable 5G services to be delivered over satellite infrastructure, otherwise referred to as 5G New Radio over non-terrestrial networks (NTN).
How might 5G NR over non-terrestrial networks be used? It depends on which type of satellite network is used: Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, each of which inhabit a different range of distances from Earth, with LEO systems the closest and GEO systems that furthest away.
