Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), and the Office for Space Technology and Industry (OSTIn) – Singapore’s national space office – have decided to advance the development of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technologies.
The organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus.
NTNs are part of the 3GPP standards for 5G and future 6G networks.
They extend the reach of ground-based networks by using non-terrestrial assets, including low earth orbit satellites, geostationary satellites, and high-altitude drones or balloons.
Announced during ATxSG 2025, the initiative focuses on integrating satellite-based communication with terrestrial 5G and future 6G networks.
This will enable uninterrupted hybrid connectivity across land, sea, and air.
IMDA and OSTIn will also work with research institutions and industry players to form a local innovation consortium to support the effort.
IMDA, assistant chief executive, BizTech Group, Ong Chen Hui, said satellite communications is a strong component of digital connectivity infrastructure.
Through the collaboration with Airbus and OSTIn, the aim is to advance the development of NTN technologies and support deeper research collaborations within Singapore’s innovation ecosystem, she added.
As part of this collaboration, Airbus will contribute its technical expertise.
This will mark Airbus’ first 5G/NTN initiative outside Europe.
Airbus Asia Pacific president, Anand Stanley, said, “Singapore is an ideal environment to explore cutting-edge connectivity solutions that will define the future of resilient, wide-area communications.”
“This MoU lays the foundation for Airbus to work closely with IMDA, OSTIn, and other partners in developing a robust 5G/NTN ecosystem that supports both industry growth and national innovation goals.”
