A new governmental concession for satellite-based 5G services, awarded to OQ Technology, aims to extend connectivity to remote areas and bolster the resilience of global communications networks.

The Luxembourg-based company OQ Technology has been granted a governmental concession to operate satellite-based 5G services.

Announced in an official statement on Tuesday, the concession provides OQ Technology – a global provider of 5G satellites, Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity, and Direct-to-Device (D2D) communication – with the legal and technical authority to build and operate global satellite networks. These networks are designed to provide 5G connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT) and direct-to-device communication.

The company described the approval as a "milestone for the Luxembourg space ecosystem" and a "historic step" for both the nation and Europe in the development of non-terrestrial 5G networks. The concession was formally approved by Luxembourg's Minister for Communications and Media, Elisabeth Margue.

"Satellite-based connectivity, such as that being developed in Luxembourg by OQ Technology, has the potential to improve access to digital services in remote areas and to contribute to the resilience of our communications infrastructure", Minister Margue stated.

National 5G coverage nears 100%

In a separate development regarding terrestrial networks, Minister Margue has confirmed that 5G coverage now extends to 99.6% of Luxembourg's territory. This represents an increase of nearly 7% since the end of 2023.

The minister provided this update in response to a parliamentary question from the Democratic Party (DP). She noted that the remaining 0.4% of the country, while lacking 5G, is serviced by 4G networks, leading her to be hesitant in describing these areas as "dead zones". The higher concentration of 5G infrastructure in the south of the country is attributed to its denser population.

Minister Margue emphasised that the continued improvement of the national communications network remains a government priority. While further 5G antennas from various operators will be erected across the country, the specific strategy for their deployment is left to the individual providers.