GCF certifies 3GPP IoT satellite connectivity
The Global Certification Forum (GCF) is adding support for satellite communications and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) to its device certification programme, starting with the Internet of Things (IoT).
3GPP NTN NB-IoT and eMTC technology is being included in the GCF Certification Criteria, allowing devices to certify compliance with Release 17 of the 3GPP standard and will be activated with the publication of the next release of GCF Certification Criteria in February 2024.
5G NR and evolution to NTN NB-IoT 3GPP Rel. 18 are also being developed within the forum. GCF, as a strong supporter of 5G, says it is committed to delivering a certification program for almost every 5G technology that is being standardised at 3GPP.
The adoption of standards-based satellite connectivity in the communications industry in Rel17 means manufacturers can certify their devices to be directly connected to different satellite operators. This is helping enable the rapid introduction in the market of satellite-connected devices with assured interoperability.
The GCF certification combines conformance and interoperability testing in laboratories with field trials on multiple commercial networks to verify the quality of the interoperability of wireless devices with different network elements, vendors’ infrastructure, and other services. GCF certifies hundreds of different device models each year.
“We are delighted to have been the pioneering standards-based satellite operator joining Global Certification Forum (GCF), paving the way for the realisation of interoperable, 3GPP standards-based cellular NTN access.” said Marco Guadalupi, co-founder and CTO at Sateliot, the first satellite operator to join the GCF and instrumental in driving through the Rel17 NTN certification.
“With this new certification programme, GCF is supporting the deployment of NTN/satellite communications worldwide. Satellite reaches areas where terrestrial coverage cannot go, for technical or commercial reasons, thus widening access around the globe,” said Lars Nielsen, CEO at GCF.
Isabelle Mauro, Director General at Global Satellite Operators Association (GSOA), said: “By facilitating certification for a large number of device manufacturers and models, GCF is leading the way – helping satellite operators set the stage for placing NTN-capable devices on the market. Activation of an industry-wide certification program is a great achievement towards this goal.”
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The GCF has over 350 members, including major and smaller operators and service providers, all major device and IoT manufacturer.
www.globalcertificationforum.org
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