TERAWAY · Project

Terahertz Wireless Links Delivering 108 Gbps for Next-Generation Mobile Networks

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Imagine your mobile network's backbone — the cables and links connecting cell towers — replaced by super-fast wireless beams that carry data at 108 gigabits per second, fast enough to download a full HD movie in under a second. TERAWAY built radio hardware that works across three different frequency bands simultaneously, pooling them like lanes on a highway to move massive amounts of data wirelessly. They even tested it with drones acting as flying cell towers to cover outdoor mega-events like concerts or sports stadiums. Think of it as giving telecom operators a wireless firehose instead of laying expensive fiber to every temporary or hard-to-reach location.

By the numbers

108 Gb/s

Data rate per channel achieved by the terahertz transceivers

400 m+

Wireless transmission reach in the THz band

92–322 GHz

Frequency range covered across W, D, and THz bands

Consortium partners across 6 countries

57%

Industry partners in the consortium

SMEs participating in development

The business problem

What needed solving

Telecom operators face skyrocketing demand for mobile data but laying fiber to every cell tower and temporary site is expensive and slow. Outdoor events, disaster zones, and hard-to-reach areas need high-bandwidth wireless coverage that current microwave links simply cannot deliver. The industry needs a wireless alternative that matches fiber speeds without the infrastructure cost.

The solution

What was built

TERAWAY built working terahertz transceiver modules (2-channel and 4-channel) operating from 92 to 322 GHz, achieving 108 Gb/s per channel with over 400 m range. They also developed an SDN controller for managing radio resources across bands and demonstrated the full system with drone-carried base stations at AALTO's 5G testbed in a field trial.

Audience

Who needs this

Mobile network operators needing fiber-speed wireless backhaulTelecom equipment manufacturers looking to enter the THz marketEvent management companies requiring temporary high-bandwidth coverageDefense and security firms needing drone-based surveillance networksSmart city infrastructure developers deploying dense 5G small cells

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Telecommunications

enterprise

Target: Mobile network operators and tower companies

If you are a telecom operator struggling with the cost and time of deploying fiber backhaul to every cell site — TERAWAY developed terahertz transceivers delivering up to 108 Gb/s per channel over distances of more than 400 m. These 2- and 4-channel modules cover frequencies from 92 to 322 GHz, giving you fiber-like speeds without digging trenches. The SDN controller manages radio resources automatically across all bands.

Event Management & Public Safety

mid-size

Target: Large venue operators and event security firms

If you are an event organizer or security provider who needs temporary high-bandwidth coverage for outdoor mega-events — TERAWAY demonstrated drone-carried base stations connected via terahertz wireless links at 108 Gb/s. This means you can deploy surveillance and communication coverage rapidly without permanent infrastructure. The system was field-tested specifically for this scenario at a 5G testbed.

Drone & UAV Systems

SME

Target: Commercial drone platform manufacturers

If you are a UAV manufacturer looking to expand into telecom or surveillance applications — TERAWAY proved that drones can carry base station equipment connected by steerable terahertz beams operating from 92 to 322 GHz. The multi-beam optical beamforming allows each drone to maintain independent wireless links to multiple ground nodes. This opens a new product category beyond delivery and inspection drones.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What would it cost to deploy these terahertz transceivers compared to fiber?

The project data does not include specific unit costs or pricing. However, the transceivers use photonic integration techniques, which generally enable mass production at lower cost than discrete components. A commercial pricing model would need to come from the consortium partners directly.

Can this work at industrial scale across a real telecom network?

TERAWAY built 2-channel and 4-channel transceiver modules operating from 92 to 322 GHz with data rates up to 108 Gb/s per channel and reach over 400 m. The system was field-tested at AALTO's 5G testbed under a real outdoor scenario. Scaling to full network deployment would require further engineering and regulatory approvals for these frequency bands.

Who owns the intellectual property and can I license this technology?

The consortium of 14 partners across 6 countries developed this under an EU Research and Innovation Action. IP is typically shared among partners according to the grant agreement. Licensing discussions would need to go through the coordinating institution in Greece or the relevant industrial partners.

Which frequency bands does this actually operate in, and are they regulated?

The transceivers cover W-band (92-114.5 GHz), D-band (130-174.8 GHz), and THz band (252-322 GHz). Regulatory frameworks for these bands are still evolving in most countries. Early movers who engage with regulators now could shape the rules for commercial deployment.

How long before this is commercially available?

The project ran from November 2019 to August 2023 and completed field trials. Based on available project data, the technology has been demonstrated but is not yet a commercial product. Typical timelines from field trial to product launch in telecom equipment are 2-4 years with the right industry partner.

Can this integrate with existing 5G network infrastructure?

Yes — the system was designed with an SDN controller that manages network and radio resources in a way compatible with 5G architecture, including network slicing. The field trial was conducted at a 5G testbed. Integration with existing gNB (5G base station) equipment was a core design goal.

Is there ongoing support or follow-up development?

The project closed in August 2023. Based on available project data, ongoing commercialization would depend on individual consortium partners continuing development. The 8 industry partners and 4 SMEs in the consortium are the most likely to pursue commercial paths.

Consortium

Who built it

The TERAWAY consortium is strongly industry-oriented with 8 out of 14 partners (57%) from industry and 4 SMEs, spread across 6 countries (Germany, Greece, Spain, Finland, Italy, Netherlands) — all major telecom markets in Europe. This industry-heavy composition signals real commercial intent, not just academic research. The coordinator is a Greek research institute, while the mix of established telecom players and agile SMEs suggests the technology was developed with manufacturing and deployment in mind. For a business looking to adopt or license this technology, the industrial partners are the natural entry point for discussions.

EREVNITIKO PANEPISTIMIAKO INSTITOUTO SYSTIMATON EPIKOINONION KAI YPOLOGISTONCoordinator · EL
OPTAGON FOTONIKI IDIOTIKI KEFALAIOUCHIKI ETAIRIAparticipant · EL
TELEFONICA SAthirdparty · ES
FORSCHUNGSVERBUND BERLIN EVparticipant · DE
PHIX BVparticipant · NL
INTRACOM SINGLE MEMBER SA TELECOM SOLUTIONSparticipant · EL
AALTO KORKEAKOULUSAATIO SRparticipant · FI
LIONIX INTERNATIONAL BVparticipant · NL
TELEFONICA INNOVACION DIGITAL SLparticipant · ES
FERDINAND-BRAUN-INSTITUT GGMBH LEIBNIZ- INSTITUT FUR HOCHSTFREQUENZTECHNIKparticipant · DE
CUMUCORE OYparticipant · FI
SIAE MICROELETTRONICA SPAparticipant · IT
UNIVERSIDAD CARLOS III DE MADRIDparticipant · ES

How to reach the team

The coordinator is EREVNITIKO PANEPISTIMIAKO INSTITOUTO SYSTIMATON EPIKOINONION KAI YPOLOGISTON, a research institute in Greece. SciTransfer can identify the right contact person for you.

Order a report on this consortium See EREVNITIKO PANEPISTIMIAKO INSTITOUTO SYSTIMATON EPIKOINONION KAI YPOLOGISTON profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

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