Telefónica España and Sateliot sign 5G NR-NTN defense deal

Telefónica España and Sateliot signed a collaboration agreement on April 29, 2026 to develop 5G NR non-terrestrial network, or NTN, solutions that combine terrestrial mobile infrastructure with low Earth orbit, or LEO, satellites. The companies said the work will target coverage extension in remote, maritime and otherwise unconnected areas, with specific focus on security, defense and other critical operations.

The agreement centers on 3GPP-aligned 5G NR-NTN interoperability with terrestrial 5G networks, including what Telefónica described as 5G tactical bubbles. Telefónica said it will adapt 5G NR for defense and security requirements, including terrestrial integration and military interoperability, while Sateliot will provide its LEO-based satellite connectivity platform for 5G NTN IoT services and work with Telefónica on pilots and advanced satellite connectivity functions for critical communications.

The announcement reflects a broader shift in satellite IoT toward integration with mainstream cellular standards rather than separate satellite service layers. Telefónica and Sateliot said they had already completed an end-to-end test in 2023 under ESA supervision that validated standard roaming between Telefónica’s network and Sateliot’s LEO network using a conventional SIM card, and the new agreement extends that work toward operational 5G NR use cases for remote and mission-critical environments.