Imagine your phone could switch between a cell tower and a satellite as easily as it switches Wi-Fi networks, without you even noticing. This work creates a 3D network layer using satellites and high-altitude drones to fill the gaps where traditional towers can't reach. It's like building a giant, invisible safety net of connectivity in the sky that works with the phone already in your pocket.
Current mobile networks have coverage gaps in remote areas, oceans, and air, and lack the precision needed for high-accuracy autonomous movement. There is a lack of a unified standard that allows smartphones to connect seamlessly to satellites and drones.
The project developed designs for a 3D multi-layered network architecture, software-defined payloads for satellites, and a high-accuracy positioning system. It also created specifications for flexible waveforms and spectrum sharing in C and Q/V bands.
If you are a drone delivery service dealing with signal loss in remote areas — this project developed a 3D multi-layered network architecture that provides latency below 10 ms. This ensures drones remain connected and controllable even outside urban centers.
If you are a smartphone manufacturer dealing with poor emergency coverage in rural zones — this project developed short emergency messaging services for smartphones. This allows devices to send critical alerts in light indoor or in-vehicle environments via satellite.
If you are an autonomous tractor manufacturer dealing with imprecise GPS in open fields — this project developed a positioning function achieving precision below 10 cm. This allows machinery to operate with extreme accuracy without relying on terrestrial base stations.
Based on available project data, specific pricing or implementation costs are not provided as the project focuses on research and standardization.
The project aims for a service roll-out in the 2030-35 time frame, meaning it is currently in the design and standardization phase rather than full industrial scale.
Based on available project data, the project focuses on driving standardization in 3GPP, which typically involves contributing technical specifications to global standards.
The project researches regulatory enablers for the integration of Non-Terrestrial Networks and the use of new spectrum, specifically C and Q/V bands.
The project period ends in 2025-12-31, with the vision of a full service roll-out between 2030 and 2035.
It focuses on the support of smartphones and small factor vehicle/drone mounted terminals, specifically through new antenna solutions and flexible waveforms.
The consortium is heavily industry-driven with a 73% industry ratio, comprising 11 industrial partners and 3 SMEs across 8 countries. This high concentration of commercial players suggests the research is tightly aligned with market needs and standardization goals, led by the University of Bologna with strong backing from European aerospace and telecom sectors.
Contact the research office at Alma Mater Studiorum - Università di Bologna
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