Bittium Corporation
Press Release
Bittium and Terrestar Advance Direct-to-Mobile 5G NTN Connectivity for Satellite-Enabled Smartphones
Bittium Corporation press release on July 8, 2025, at 2.00 pm (CEST +1)
Bittium will continue its collaboration with Canadian mobile satellite operator Terrestar Solutions Inc., advancing the next phase of development for a standards-based 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solution that enables direct-to-mobile satellite connectivity. The solution allows standard smartphones to connect directly to satellites for services such as SMS, chat, voice, and email—delivering essential mobile functionality in remote and underserved areas. First showcased at Mobile World Congress 2025, the solution marks a milestone in Terrestar’s vision to extend mobile service where traditional infrastructure ends. The value of the development services awarded to Bittium is approximately €2.0 million.
The collaboration focuses on developing the first-generation of standardized NTN telecom service that brings NB-IOT capabilities to smartphones. It supports the emergence of satellite as the third mode of mobile access, alongside terrestrial towers and Wi-Fi. This aligns with Terrestar’s broader roadmap to deliver seamless, secure, and standards-aligned mobile services through hybrid satellite-terrestrial architectures. Bittium contributes deep expertise in wireless hardware and software optimized for performance, efficiency, and compact design.
“We are proud to continue successful co-operation as a main development partner. Bittium has a long history of developing satellite user devices for most demanding environments,“ says Jari Inget, Vice President, Engineering Services at Bittium.
“This collaboration is a key step in delivering on our commitment to make mobile connectivity truly ubiquitous,” said Jacques Leduc, President of Terrestar Solutions. “Satellite is becoming the third mode of mobile access, and our open network model ensures that terrestrial operators can extend their coverage, without giving up spectrum. Our Sat Companion device acts as a bridge—enabling everyone to stay connected, everywhere and with everything—complementing both current and future NTN-capable devices from major manufacturers.”
Looking ahead, Terrestar and Bittium will continue joint testing and integration through 2025, with pilot deployments planned in collaboration with Mobile Network Operators. This effort complements Terrestar’s broader roadmap, including the planned launch of a low earth orbit (LEO) constellation designed to enable mobile coverage across Canada, Europe, and the Arctic. Terrestar’s network is architected to land traffic within sovereign jurisdictions—providing a standards-based, secure alternative for governments and operators seeking control over data routing and infrastructure.
Further information:
Bittium
Jari Inget
Vice President, Bittium Engineering Services
Tel. +358 40 344 2789 (Group communications)
Terrestar
Isabelle Pelletier
Director, Public Relations and Corporate Communications
media@terrestarsolutions.ca
Distribution:
Main media
Bittium – Engineering Services
With over 40 years of experience in secure wireless technology, Bittium provides innovative, high-quality product development services for secure wireless devices. Our comprehensive expertise covers all areas in hardware and software development, ensuring reliability and performance. Supported by state-of-the-art testing services and laboratories, we deliver turnkey projects covering the full product lifecycle. Bittium also provides reliable and secure solutions for tactical and secure communications and biosignal measuring and monitoring. Bittium Corporation is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Exchange (BITTI). For more information, visit www.bittium.com/engineering-services.
In addition to engineering services and wireless embedded solutions, Bittium offers products and systems to the Defense & Security market as well as solutions focused on measuring and processing of biosignals. Bittium’s net sales in 2024 were EUR 85.2 million and operating profit EUR 8.6 million. Bittium is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki. www.bittium.com
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About Terrestar Solutions
Terrestar Solutions Inc. is the only Canadian mobile satellite operator engaged in the race to bring direct-to-mobile satellite services to smartphones and IoT devices and make anywhere-in-Canada communication a reality. Terrestar is committed to nurturing the ever-evolving, standards-based and open network ecosystem, enabling Mobile Network Operators to deliver ubiquitous communication services. Thanks to the Echostar T1 satellite, its ground network infrastructure and 40MHz of S-band mobile-satellite spectrum, Terrestar connects Canadians from almost anywhere in the country, even in Canada’s most remote regions, through its Strigo Mobile-Satellite Service (MSS). The Strigo service also supports non-profit and First Nations organizations, a testament to the Company’s powerful sense of responsibility towards the welfare and progress of the communities it serves. Looking ahead, Terrestar is actively developing a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellation to be integrated as part of a global LEO infrastructure. This initiative aims to ensure standardized, seamless service delivery worldwide—reinforcing Terrestar’s leadership in the mobile satellite space. For more information, visit www.terrestarsolutions.ca or follow us on LinkedIn.
