China makes world’s first 5G satellite-to-phone video call. Will it test US TikTok curbs?

The world’s first direct 5G satellite-to-smartphone broadband video call by scientists in China has raised new questions about the effectiveness of US restrictions on apps like TikTok.

The technology could theoretically enable streaming video content directly to phones via satellites, however a Chinese expert on 5G standards said that it faced major regulatory, technical, and practical barriers.

The test was carried out earlier this month using a new technology demonstration satellite, according to Liang Baojun, head of China Satellite Network Group (China SatNet). The state-owned company manages the country’s planned 13,000-satellite Guowang internet megaconstellation, which is meant to rival SpaceX’s Starlink.

“We completed the test based on the 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standard, and validated key elements of the integrated space-ground network architecture,” Liang said at the Xiongan BeiDou Ecosystem Cooperation Conference on Saturday in one of his first major public appearances since taking on the role in January. He did not give further details.

Adopting the 5G NTN standard meant the phone was connected to the satellite according to internationally recognised 5G specifications – without the need for special hardware – paving the way for future satellite services to work on ordinary smartphones.

  

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