Photo: Via Satellite

Hellas Sat has successfully completed a live demonstration of 5G satellite backhauling capabilities in Greece. The demonstration was organised in partnership with KT-SAT, ST Engineering iDirect, Thales Alenia Space, and Vodafone Greece to showcase satellites’ role in the 5G ecosystem to broaden coverage. The operator, which is celebrating its 20 year anniversary this year, announced the results of the demonstration, July 8.

Using satellite communication backhaul links, the satellite was fully integrated into the 5G network and received 5G transmissions from the Earth and then delivered these to remote areas. The connection of the Hellas Sat 3 satellite to the 5G network was enabled by the use of Thales Alenia Space and ST Engineering iDirect hub and modem equipment, as well as Vodafone’s 5G licensed spectrum. Specifically, Vodafone Greece provided bands from its 5G spectrum in 2100 MHz and 3600 MHz frequency zones which support the roll-out of its 5G network in Greece. One of the world’s first routers for hybrid satellite-terrestrial 5G transmission developed by KT-SAT, was also showcased at the event.

“We are pleased to be part of this event and demonstrate a hybrid solution to share our view towards a new era of telecoms by satellite and 5G. This will be a great start of our partnership with Hellas Sat and all members of KT SAT hope to bring more discussions and opportunities together in near future to develop innovative satellite solutions,” Mike Jeong, KT SAT’s senior director of Marketing Sales said in a statement.