Visualization of SoftBank and Intelsat’s ubiquitous network concept. Image: SoftBank

SoftBank and Intelsat are teaming up to develop and launch a “Ubiquitous Network” concept that uses 5G connections between terrestrial and mobile and satellite communications networks. The companies announced Tuesday during World Space Business Week that they plan to jointly develop a hybrid communication solution based on 3GPP 5G non-terrestrial network standards. 

Explaining the need for the network, the companies said that while cars, ships, and drones are headed toward autonomous operations, there are still many areas without mobile coverage where connectivity requires separate devices and accounts to connect to satellite networks. One of the key goals of the collaboration is to develop a universal device that will always stay connected for land mobile, maritime, and disaster response and recovery use cases.

Intelsat CEO David Wajsgras previewed the deal at WSBW in Paris this week and said this is an agreement that could lead to greater satellite adoption across different verticals. 

“By using technology that switches between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite communication networks through roaming, we can integrate the two previously separate networks and utilize satellite communication as an extension of mobile communication. Through this joint research and development, SoftBank and Intelsat will aim to build a Ubiquitous Network where people and things around the world can be connected to communication anytime, anywhere,” Hideyuki Tsukuda, Softbank CTO and executive vice president. 

The Sept. 16 announcement did not specify a timeline for such a network, but said that development and commercialization will happen “in phases.” 

Intelsat and SoftBank have a history — in 2017, the companies announced a deal for Intelsat to combine with Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) operator OneWeb with SoftBank backing. The deal fell apart, and Intelsat sued both companies, then later withdrew the suit. Softbank later re-invested in OneWeb post-bankruptcy, and signed a deal with Eutelsat earlier this month for OneWeb capacity.