Join us for an outstanding workshop, elaborating on 5G to 6G topics, with a focus on O-RAN Enabling NTN Deployments – Exploring Opportunities and Synergies.
It is composed of 2 parts:
Maria Guta, Senior 5G/6G Satcom Solutions Architect in the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications in the European Space Agency (ESA)
This keynote adresses the boundaries, priorities and the emerging gaps. It presents network/system optimisations - space segment optimisations. It discusses experimentations perspectives and associated roadmap.
Stefan Draškoci, 5G NTN Lead, Aalyria Technologies
Once deployed in space, 5G NTN constellations face a difficult multivariate resource optimisation challenge, whereby finite resources such as time, space, frequency, beam, power, etc. will need to be allocated to deliver connectivity to end users, at times even in coordination with 5G Terrestrial Networks. This presentation will describe the reasons and ways in which the O-RAN RIC/SMO framework is best suited to be the driver of this continuous optimisation and orchestration.
Olivier Hauw, Fast Track Leader Connectivity, Airbus
This presentation will explore how 5G TN/NTN can be considered as the most promising next step for the aviation connectivity and may help induce aviation industry digital transformation.
Ben Ash, Senior Sales Director, Radisys
This presentation focuses on building NTN solutions leveraging 3GPP and O-RAN architecture and the key role of the broader satellite communications ecosystem. It also talks about deployment aspects including hardware and cloud platforms, compute and power constraints, NTN RAN adaptations, orchestration/ control and TN/NTN integration. Presents a view of evolution of NTN solutions.
Eng Wei Koo, Director of Standards and Technology, Keysight Technologies
Space to Earth communications industry trends with Direct-to-Cell/Device (D2C/D2D) connectivity rise to prominence; AI-enabled Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) – overview of 5G towards 6G standardization activities in 3GPP and O-RAN ALLIANCE, identify unique design and deployment challenges; share “Space to Lab” methodology which involves digital twin assisted replication and reproduction of real-world space to earth communications conditions in the lab testing environment thereby accelerating NTN commercial deployments.
Kexuan Sun, Senior Principal Wireless Architect, Rakuten Symphony, CTO Office
Awn Muhammad, Head of Technical Standards, Rakuten Mobile
This presentation will cover:
1. Rakuten's strategy and achievement on NTN business.
2. NTN use cases, architecture evolution and standardization.
3. Opportunities and potential solutions with O-RAN including RIC for NTN in 5GA and 6G Era.
Dr. Jevgenij Krivochiza, Engineer, Digital Ground Development, SES S.A.
The presentation covers a hand-on experience of testing NR NTN over legacy GEO and MEO transparent payload satellites. It shows how satellites ephemeris is used to command the timing advance and how to deal with the timing uncertainties in practice.
Dr.-Ing. Markus Breitbach, Senior Expert, Deutsche Telekom Group Technology
Unlike terrestrial network sites, LEO satellites are moving. The presentation examines the mobility of NTN infrastructure and its impact on radio network and transport network functions, highlighting the opportunities this presents for the integration of satellites in terrestrial networks and for seamless service continuity.
RaviKanth Pasumarthy, Vice President and Chief Architect, Capgemini Engineering
As part of 3GPP Rel-17 and beyond there is also evolution to support Satellite networks (NTN) also based on 5G network architecture. Ubiquitous networks based on TN, NTN (and HAPS) is also aligned as one of the visions for 6G based Network architecture. The presentation captures the System solution and architecture considerations to be taken in developing NTN solutions aligned with O-RAN architecture. It shall also provides details of the challenges in realizing the same and guidelines to be considered in addressing the challenges.
Dr. Ian C. Wong, Senior Director of RF and Wireless Architecture, VIAVI Solutions
5G/6G non‑terrestrial networks (NTN) present unique challenges around ensuring QoS, application performance, and stability across orbital variations and UE types. VIAVI’s non‑terrestrial network (NTN) digital twin test solutions addresses these challenges, enabling end-to-end emulation of satellites and NTN access —from component integration to full RAN and core scenarios—covering GEO, MEO, LEO, and HAPS orbits under realistic doppler, delay, and mobility conditions.
Raphaël Ihamouine, Principal Systems Architect at Viasat
This presentation will provide a short, motivation-driven overview on O-RAN related NTN operations from Viasat perspective. Viasat will highlight key operational and control considerations relevant to its NTN deployments, such as convergence considerations, end-to-end intent, control and policy alignment and resource sharing in NTN deployments. The intention behind this presentation would be to share practical NTN use-cases and a satellite operator perspective to the O-RAN discussions.
José Luis Alcolea Coronel, 5G Strategy Manager, Hispasat
This session will cover how the NTN sector will be able to build its infrastructure based on the dynamic ecosystem created and boosted by O-RAN ALLIANCE.
Bert van der Linden, Senior Principal Product Manager, Hub Solutions / 5G NTN Satcom Convergence, ST iDirect
In this session, a senior product manager from ST Engineering iDirect will unpack iDirect’s strategy of integrating 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks into the global telecoms landscape. It highlights iDirect’s cloud-native Intuition ground system which bridge satellite and terrestrial networks through standards-based 3GPP compliance. Attendees will gain insights how software-based 5G NTN radio access technologies and optimized network design enable native 3GPP access over satellite links while ensuring interoperability, expanded coverage, and optimized spectral efficiency. The session will also explore iDirect’s strategic partnership with Capgemini emphasizing their joint development of a satellite-optimized gNodeB base station.
Key takeaways include:
Details in preparation
Dr. Maria Guta is Senior 5G/6G Satcom Solutions Architect in the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, Directorate of Connectivity and Secure Communications in the European Space Agency (ESA). Prepares and implements initiatives for 5G/6G satellite solutions fostering the integration of satellite and terrestrial solutions within the 5G/6G and for various verticals. Interfaces with external stakeholders - space and non-space organizations, national space agencies and EU to develop common understanding for the requirements for 5G/6G satellite networks. Leads the ESA hosted NTN-Forum and follows ESA support actions for standardization. She has more than 20 years of experience in satcom field. In her previous positions, she was with Eutelsat (FR) in the Systems Studies Division and the Space Engineering SpA (IT) in the Telecom Programmes Division.
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Stefan Draškoci is the 5G NTN Lead for Aalyria Technologies in the UK. He holds a BEng in Electronic Engineering from King’s College London, and has been working in the field of 5G RAN optimisation for the past 6 years. He is the rapporteur for the first NTN-focused Feature Plan in the O-RAN Alliance which is defining in detail the use cases and opportunities for NTN and TN/NTN optimisation, resulting in enhancements to the O-RAN architecture and constituent management interfaces. In Aalyria, he is responsible for architecting and implementing these optimisation capabilities in Aalyria's Spacetime platform, the first fully fledged NTN-capable RAN Intelligence Controller.
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Olivier Hauw is the Airbus Fast Track Leader Connectivity, reporting to the Airbus CTO.
Olivier is building the overall Airbus cross-division strategy linked to the development of connectivity solutions. In that frame, Olivier is in charge of steering all the relevant activities while fostering synergies cross-division.
Over the past 30 years, Olivier has been working in the telecommunications industry. He has been leading the Satellite Communication Services business for Government customers including Operations and Solutions. He was also in charge of managing the relationship with all Satellite Network Operators for the group. Prior to this, Olivier held various roles in programs for Institutional and private customers as well as for the A380 development in Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
Olivier joined Airbus after completing a master degree in Computer Science and Telecommunication at the Institut National Polytechnique (N7) in Toulouse, France.
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RaviKanth is working as Vice President at Capgemini Engineering and in his role as Chief Architect, is driving the System architecture, Solution design and offerings in the areas of 5G/5G-Advanced RAN and NTN/Satellite Networks, modelling of TN/NTN network architecture and realization approaches based on O-RAN based architecture.
Ravi is IEEE Senior Member and is also active speaker speaking on 5G-Advanced/6G and NTN related topics in various workshops/conferences.
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Dr.-Ing. Markus Breitbach is a Senior Expert in Deutsche Telekom’s Group Technology, working in the area of end-to-end network architecture with a background in radio networks. Before he joined Deutsche Telekom in 2006, he has been with a major infrastructure supplier as UMTS/HSPA Radio Systems Engineer. In Deutsche Telekom, he has been working on network virtualization and campus networks. Currently he is engaged in Deutsche Telekom’s NTN activities and has coordinated the 6G-TakeOff project. His ambition is to design innovative network concepts that fit well into the surrounding ecosystem and business picture.
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José Luis serves as Hispasat's 5G Strategy Manager. In this role, he is driving the development of the 5G connectivity strategy and leading initiatives that capitalize on emerging market opportunities.
He plays an active role in shaping the international 5G NTN landscape as a member of the NTN Forum Steering Board and as a 3GPP delegate, contributing to global standardization efforts.
A Telecommunications Engineer with nearly two decades of experience. He has worked across multiple segments of the industry, including engineering companies, consulting firms, utilities, telco vendors, and mobile network operators (MNOs). His responsibilities have spanned strategy, innovation, design, deployment, and both pre-sales and post-sales activities. In addition to his extensive technical expertise in 5G mobile communications, he brings a comprehensive understanding of commercial trends in both terrestrial and satellite telecommunications.
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Eng Wei Koo is Keysight’s Director of Standards and Technology, based in Singapore. He represents Keysight in 3GPP RAN plenary and O-RAN ALLIANCE co-chairing the Test and Integration group. Eng Wei has held multiple planning, research, and development leadership positions for RAN development, test and measurements solutions enabling the wireless networks ecosystem to develop, test, deploy and optimize 3G/4G/5G/B5G virtual, Open and AI RAN solutions in the labs and field for the past 20 years. In the recent years, he has been working closely with industry partners to co-innovate and design experimental test beds and methodology for AI-RAN.
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Ben Ash is Senior Sales Director at Radisys UK, where he leads business development across EMEA for Radisys’ 5G mobility software, with a strong focus on Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), Open RAN, and advanced radio access solutions. With over 20 years’ experience spanning RAN, RF, and software-defined networking, Ben has worked across public networks, private networks, fixed wireless access, and satellite-enabled use cases. He combines a solid engineering background with a practical, customer-led sales approach, helping operators and partners translate emerging 5G architectures into commercially viable deployments.
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Awn Muhammad is Head of Technical Standards at Rakuten Mobile and has over 16 years of experience in mobile networks, specializing in RAN planning, feature development, and standardization. He is an active contributor to the O-RAN ALLIANCE, serving as Co-Chair of the Sustainability Focus Group (SuFG).
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With 15+ years experience in wireless communication technologies, Kexuan Sun brings deep expertise in cutting-edge 5G, 6G and O-RAN technologies. As a Senior Principal Wireless Architect and Standard Lead at Rakuten Symphony's CTO office since June 2022, Kexuan champions innovation by developing advanced system architectures and driving collaborative solutions that align with the company's mission of transforming global telecommunications. Kexuan Sun leads Rakuten Symphony's O-RAN standard team, co-chair O-RAN nGRG RS01 and WG6, and represent Rakuten Symphony as the lead speaker in O-RAN and 3GPP 5GA and 6G workshops. Notable achievements from him also includes initiating and co-chairing the O-RAN’s first 6G workshop in Dallas which was a very successful and inspiring event marking the beginning of O-RAN advancement toward 6G. Kexuan holds an M.Sc. from University College London (UCL) and a B.Eng. from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications (BUPT) and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL).
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Jevgenij Krivochiza holds the Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from the Interdisciplinary Centre for Security, Reliability, and Trust, University of Luxembourg. He has experience in software-defined radios, digital gateway platforms, DVB-S2X, and 5G NTN systems for LEO, MEO and GEO satellites. He is currently working at SES developing the 5G NR NTN system for better interoperability and agility in the future satellite constellation.
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Raphaël Ihamouine is a Principal Systems Architect at Viasat, specialized in end-to-end satellite communication systems and 4G/5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN). His work focuses on next-generation space communication systems design, leading multi-partner architecture efforts and contributing to NTN standardization such as in GSMA and 3GPP. Based in the Netherlands, Raphaël’s work bridges technical innovation across industrial programs and research collaborations.
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Dr. Ian C. Wong is currently the Senior Director of RF and Wireless Architecture reporting to the CTO at VIAVI Solutions, where he is leading RF and wireless technology strategy, architectures, and standards. He is the co-chair of the Test and Integration Focus Group (TIFG) in the O-RAN Alliance, and VIAVI’s representative at the full member and steering groups of the NextG Alliance. He is also Chief Architect of the VIAVI Automated Lab-as-a-Service for Open RAN (VALOR) which was awarded $21.7M by the NTIA Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund’s first Notice of Funding Opportunity.
From 2009 – Aug 2020, he was with NI (formerly National Instruments, since acquired by Emerson) where his last position was Section Manager of Wireless Systems R&D where he led the development of real-time end-to-end 5G wireless test and prototyping systems, and managed the company’s 3GPP wireless standards and IP strategy. From 2007-2009, he was a systems research and standards engineer with Freescale Semiconductor where he represented Freescale in the 3GPP LTE standardization efforts. He is a senior member of the IEEE, was the Director of Industry Communities for IEEE Communications Society 2016-2019, and was the Industry Program Chair for IEEE Globecom 2014 in Austin.
Dr. Wong is lead editor of the book “Open RAN: The Definitive Guide” published by Wiley/IEEE in 2023, co-authored the book “Resource Allocation for Multiuser Multicarrier Wireless Systems” published by Springer, numerous patents, standards contributions, and IEEE journal and conference publications. He was awarded the Texas Telecommunications Engineering Consortium Fellowship in 2003-2004, and the Wireless Networking and Communications Group student leadership award in 2007.
He received the MS and PhD degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2004 and 2007, respectively, and a BS degree in electronics and communications engineering (magna cum laude) from the University of the Philippines in 2000.
