MathWorks Predicts 2026 as the Breakthrough Year for Unified Satellite–5G Networks
Bangalore, Jan 9: MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, today predicted a major shift in the global connectivity landscape, with 2026 expected to be the first year when satellite and 5G networks will start functioning as a unified system, rather than parallel infrastructures. The company said it expects hybrid satellite-5G connectivity to move from pilot projects into real-world deployment with 3GPP Release 17 and 18, enabling deeper integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and Terrestrial Networks (TN). This convergence is expected to unlock a new generation of resilient, globally accessible communication services, reshaping applications in mobility, public safety, IoT, and remote connectivity.
The 3GPP Release 17 standard provides a baseline for NTN-TN interoperability, specifying reliability and latency parameters. Release 18 expands support for NTN-IoT and higher frequency bands, which are critical for scalable, high-throughput architectures.
“2026 is going to mark the moment when satellite links start behaving like a natural extension of existing 5G networks,” said Mike McLernon, Principal Technical Marketing Engineer, MathWorks. “For engineers, this means building systems that can operate seamlessly across sky and ground with critical simulation-led design.”
India is a key market poised to accelerate NTN-TN adoption. With operators exploring space-based coverage for rural regions and emergency communications, the country is expected to play a central role in bringing hybrid connectivity to scale.
This shift will introduce new design challenges for telecom R&D teams, ranging from satellite-cell handovers and multi-band transceiver design to high-mobility user scenarios and real-time coordination between ground and space systems. As telcos race to deliver direct-to-device satellite services, hybrid networks will demand more complex testing, simulation, and system-level validation.
“NTNs will not be replacing TNs; rather, they will be augmenting them, forming a hybrid ecosystem that will define the next generation of global wireless connectivity,” said McLernon. “A major technical focus for wireless engineers is to ensure reliable transitions between satellite and terrestrial links.”
Interoperability between NTNs and TNs is paramount, as handover management and resource coordination will ultimately determine the success of the overall system design. For the RF community, the emergence of NTN-TN networks also signals a growing need for flexible, multi-band transceivers and robust channel modeling across variable propagation environments.