Rohde & Schwarz and Viasat to Test Satellite IoT Connectivity

Munich – February 27, 2026 – Rohde & Schwarz and Viasat have partnered to develop a test plan for Narrowband Non-terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) Internet of Things (IoT) devices connecting via satellite. The collaboration aims to ensure interoperability with Viasat's satellite network and enhance connectivity reliability in areas lacking terrestrial coverage.

The partnership will focus on creating a test plan encompassing protocol, performance, and radio frequency (RF) scenarios. Rohde & Schwarz's CMX500 one-box tester will be utilized for testing various NTN technologies, including NB-NTN compliant with 3GPP Release 17 standards. This solution is designed to accelerate development and ensure service quality.

The testing effort intends to verify seamless operation between IoT devices, their chipsets, and modules with Viasat's global satellite network. This is particularly crucial for IoT applications requiring persistent connectivity in remote or hard-to-reach regions.

Initial results from this test plan will be showcased at MWC Barcelona 2026, taking place from March 2-5, 2026. Rohde & Schwarz will demonstrate test outcomes at their booth 5A80 in Hall 5, with Viasat exhibiting in Hall 6, booth 6A20.