Technology 11/7: 5G-Advanced successfully connected for the first time via LEO satellite

Successfully tested 5G-Advanced NR NTN connection via LEO satellite

Simulated image of 5G connection via satellite, opening up seamless connection. (Source: MediaTek)

On November 6, the European Space Agency (ESA), MediaTek, Eutelsat, Airbus, Sharp, ITRI and Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) announced the successful test of the world's first 5G-Advanced NR NTN Rel-19 connection over Eutelsat's OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. The test followed the 3GPP Rel-19 NR NTN configuration, used 50MHz of Ku-band bandwidth and achieved successful handover.

The test used MediaTek's NR NTN chipset, ITRI's NR-NTN gNB, Airbus-built OneWeb satellite, and NTN user terminal with a planar antenna developed by Sharp. The connection was established from the satellite to the terrestrial 5G network core via a ground station at ESA's ESTEC Center in the Netherlands.

This success paves the way for the deployment of the 5G-Advanced NR NTN standard, which will enable seamless satellite-to-ground connectivity, reduce access costs, and expand the availability of satellite bandwidth for NTN devices globally. Compatible satellite constellations will complement the terrestrial network, creating universal connectivity and opening up new markets for smartphones, cars, and IoT.

Zalo reaches 79.2 million monthly active users

Zalo has nearly 80 million regular users with 2.1 billion messages sent every day. (Source: Zalo)

By the end of Q3 2025, Zalo recorded 79.2 million monthly active users, with approximately 2.1 billion messages sent per day. This is a remarkable growth milestone, continuing the platform's steady growth momentum over the years.

Compared to the end of 2024, when Zalo had 77.8 million regular users and 2 billion messages/day, after only the first 9 months of 2025, the platform has set a new record. This affirms Zalo's leading position in the messaging field in Vietnam.

According to Decision Lab's "The Connected Consumer" report (Q2/2025), Zalo continues to hold the number one position in terms of usage rate and popularity among messaging platforms in Vietnam. 80% of users regularly use it.

Zalo is not only a personal communication tool but also plays a role in work, emergency connection in natural disasters, administrative support and public services. Maintaining the leading position in terms of number of users and popularity shows that Zalo is consolidating its role as an important technology ecosystem in the digital transformation era of Vietnam.

Starlink signs largest global deal for direct satellite connectivity

A string of Starlink communications satellites appears as a single strip of light streaking across the sky, creating a spectacular scene. (Source: Reuters)

On November 6, Starlink – a subsidiary of SpaceX founded by Elon Musk – signed the largest deal ever for direct satellite-to-phone connectivity with the telecommunications group Veon. This agreement opens up access to more than 150 million potential users, marking an important step forward in the race to connect satellites to smartphones.

Direct-to-cell technology allows smartphones to connect to satellite networks to receive telecommunications signals without the need for ground infrastructure. This is an ideal solution to fill coverage gaps in remote areas.

Under the agreement, Veon will integrate Starlink services into its networks, starting with Beeline in Kazakhstan and Kyivstar in Ukraine. Kyivstar plans to launch services in the fourth quarter of 2025, with Beeline following in 2026. The Kazakhstan deal was announced during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's visit to Washington.

Starlink currently has more than 7 million users worldwide and partners with carriers in 11 countries, including T-Mobile (USA) and Rogers (Canada). Starlink's system operates more than 8,000 satellites, of which 650 are dedicated to providing direct connections to phones.

Mr. Quang

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/cong-nghe-7-11-5g-advanced-lan-dau-ket-noi-thanh-cong-qua-ve-tinh-leo-ar985732.html