GCF and MSSA Partnered to Standardize Satellite Connectivity
The groups will develop certification frameworks for 3GPP non-terrestrial network technologies to ensure global roaming.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Telecommunications
The Global Certification Forum and the Mobile Satellite Services Association have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on testing and certification for non-terrestrial networks. This effort focuses on establishing interoperability standards for 3GPP-based satellite communication systems.
Why it matters
Standardizing these connections is essential for enabling seamless roaming between terrestrial mobile networks and satellite constellations. This collaboration aims to accelerate the mass adoption of 3GPP-compliant hardware in the emerging direct-to-device market.
The partnership targets 3GPP-defined non-terrestrial network (NTN) standards, including 5G NR (New Radio) and NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things). This builds upon the conformance testing for GEO (geostationary orbit) satellite systems that the Global Certification Forum launched in 2024.
The players
Global Certification Forum
An international organization that provides industry-standard certification and conformance testing for mobile device interoperability.
Mobile Satellite Services Association
A collaborative body of satellite operators focused on advancing standards-based non-terrestrial network technologies for mobile connectivity.
The details
The collaboration leverages the existing Global Certification Forum framework to define technical requirements and validation protocols for satellite-enabled devices. It will incorporate field testing using operators within the Mobile Satellite Services Association to ensure hardware performs consistently across diverse non-terrestrial network architectures. This includes supporting direct-to-device connectivity, where standard mobile handsets connect directly to satellites, and both NGSO (non-geostationary orbit) and GEO constellations.
Timeline
2024: The Global Certification Forum began offering conformance testing for NTN NB-IoT.
September 28, 2026: The Memorandum of Understanding was signed.
The Tech Race
This agreement marks a critical transition from proprietary satellite connectivity to the adoption of open 3GPP standards. It positions these organizations to lead the certification race for direct-to-device satellite hardware against fragmented, vendor-specific approaches.
This standardization will eventually allow users to maintain consistent mobile connectivity even when moving outside the range of terrestrial cell towers. Hardware manufacturers and network operators will gain a clear compliance path for bringing satellite-capable devices to the mass market.
The takeaway
The move effectively shifts the satellite industry toward a standardized cellular ecosystem that prioritizes global interoperability. Stakeholders should watch for the upcoming release of the joint certification framework covering NGSO and 5G NR technologies.
Further reading
For broader context on how 3GPP standards are shaping the future of mobile connectivity, visit Telecommunications.
Source note: This article includes information reported by IoT Now News - How to run an IoT enabled business.
