Rohde & Schwarz and Viasat Launch NB-NTN IoT Connectivity Test Plan
Rohde & Schwarz and Viasat have established a joint test plan for NB-NTN IoT devices to ensure satellite network interoperability. The collaboration aims to validate compliance with 3GPP Release 17 standards.
Rohde & Schwarz and satellite provider Viasat are collaborating to standardize testing for Narrowband Non-terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN). The initiative focuses on validating that IoT chipsets and devices maintain seamless connectivity when operating on Viasat’s satellite network.
The test plan utilizes the Rohde & Schwarz CMX500 signaling tester to conduct protocol, RF, and performance evaluations. By standardizing these tests, the companies aim to ensure that devices conform to 3GPP Release 17 requirements, providing reliable connectivity in regions lacking terrestrial cellular infrastructure.
Demonstrations of the testing framework are scheduled for MWC Barcelona 2026. This collaboration underscores the increasing industry focus on validating satellite-to-device communication as a viable alternative for global IoT deployments.