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Advancing native 5G integration across satellite networks
HERNDON, Va., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, will showcase a live demonstration of native 5G NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network) connectivity featuring a satellite-optimized 5G gNodeB integrated into its cloud-native Intuition ground system, at the Satellite 2026 Conference. The technology enables standards-based 5G NR satellite access from the 5G UE (User Equipment) to the 5G core network and marks the next phase of the company's 5G roadmap, highlighting its progress in 5G convergence.
The demonstration will highlight native 5G NR-NTN access interfacing with the 5G core, enabling seamless interoperability with terrestrial networks as well as other 3GPP and non-3GPP NTN systems supporting advanced 5G applications. This capability is essential for operators and enterprises extending 5G services globally across hybrid terrestrial satellite environments and represents a major step toward unified, standards-based 5G NTN deployments that enable ubiquitous connectivity.
The demonstration builds on ST Engineering iDirect's earlier work in enabling roaming across non-3GPP networks and now highlights the second pillar of its 5G NTN roadmap: full 3GPP NTN access. The solution integrates ST Engineering iDirect's satellite-optimized RAN technology, including a 5G gNodeB stack developed as part of the Intuition system. Building on decades of innovation in satellite radio access networks, it aligns with the latest 3GPP NTN specifications and establishes a foundation for future advancements, such as ST Engineering iDirect's recently demonstrated GNSS-free capabilities for 5G NR, while accelerating the transition to standardized, software-defined 5G NTN networks.
"The live 5G NR-NTN demonstration marks a major milestone in our hybrid 5G strategy," said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer at ST Engineering iDirect. "This is the foundation of our approach—enabling operators to evolve from non-3GPP to full 3GPP NTN access while maximizing the value of their existing infrastructure and preparing for the next generation of hybrid 5G–6G networks."
Visit ST Engineering iDirect at Booth 2406 at the Satellite 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C., March 23-26, to see firsthand how native 5G NR-NTN connectivity is shaping the future of integrated, standards‑based global connectivity.
ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite's most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit www.idirect.net.
Advancing native 5G integration across satellite networks
HERNDON, Va., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ST Engineering iDirect, a global leader in satellite communications, will showcase a live demonstration of native 5G NR-NTN (New Radio Non-Terrestrial Network) connectivity featuring a satellite-optimized 5G gNodeB integrated into its cloud-native Intuition ground system, at the Satellite 2026 Conference. The technology enables standards-based 5G NR satellite access from the 5G UE (User Equipment) to the 5G core network and marks the next phase of the company's 5G roadmap, highlighting its progress in 5G convergence.
The demonstration will highlight native 5G NR-NTN access interfacing with the 5G core, enabling seamless interoperability with terrestrial networks as well as other 3GPP and non-3GPP NTN systems supporting advanced 5G applications. This capability is essential for operators and enterprises extending 5G services globally across hybrid terrestrial satellite environments and represents a major step toward unified, standards-based 5G NTN deployments that enable ubiquitous connectivity.
The demonstration builds on ST Engineering iDirect's earlier work in enabling roaming across non-3GPP networks and now highlights the second pillar of its 5G NTN roadmap: full 3GPP NTN access. The solution integrates ST Engineering iDirect's satellite-optimized RAN technology, including a 5G gNodeB stack developed as part of the Intuition system. Building on decades of innovation in satellite radio access networks, it aligns with the latest 3GPP NTN specifications and establishes a foundation for future advancements, such as ST Engineering iDirect's recently demonstrated GNSS-free capabilities for 5G NR, while accelerating the transition to standardized, software-defined 5G NTN networks.
"The live 5G NR-NTN demonstration marks a major milestone in our hybrid 5G strategy," said Sridhar Kuppanna, Chief Technology Officer at ST Engineering iDirect. "This is the foundation of our approach—enabling operators to evolve from non-3GPP to full 3GPP NTN access while maximizing the value of their existing infrastructure and preparing for the next generation of hybrid 5G–6G networks."
Visit ST Engineering iDirect at Booth 2406 at the Satellite 2026 Conference in Washington, D.C., March 23-26, to see firsthand how native 5G NR-NTN connectivity is shaping the future of integrated, standards‑based global connectivity.
ST Engineering iDirect, a subsidiary of ST Engineering, is a global leader in satellite communications (satcom) providing technology and solutions that enable its customers to expand their business, differentiate their services and optimize their satcom networks. With over 40 years of delivering innovation focused on solving satellite's most critical economic and technology challenges we are committed to shaping the future of how the world connects. The product portfolio, branded iDirect, represents the highest standards in performance, efficiency and reliability, making it possible for its customers to deliver the best satcom connectivity experience anywhere in the world. ST Engineering iDirect is a leader in key industries including mobility, broadcast and military/government. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information visit www.idirect.net.
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ST Engineering iDirect Demonstrates 3GPP NTN Access at Satellite 2026
HONG KONG, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For generations growing up in Asia, anime has been more than just entertainment — it has been a defining part of everyday life. In Hong Kong, it is neither unfamiliar nor niche. From television broadcasts and manga bookstores to large-scale conventions that draw thousands each year, anime has long been embedded in the collective memory of multiple generations. Yet despite its strong presence, it has often been categorised as "subculture"— highly visible, but rarely recognised as a cultural domain worthy of long-term development. In recent years, this perception has begun to shift.
With the rise of streaming platforms, Japanese anime and manga have become increasingly accessible across borders, significantly expanding their global audience. At the same time, in markets such as Japan, South Korea and the West, anime has moved beyond the screen, intersecting with exhibitions, art, fashion, music, and broader urban culture. It is evolving into a cultural language that can be experienced, participated in and shared.
For a new generation of fans, anime is no longer just entertainment content. Characters, narratives and the values embedded within these works often serve as vehicles for emotional projection and identity formation. The relationship between fans and content has deepened — from passive consumption to meaningful cultural connection. This shift is also reshaping fan behaviour.
Sion Yip, Founder and CEO of INCUBASE Studio, observes: "Today's anime fans are no longer satisfied with simply purchasing merchandise, taking photos or consuming content. They want immersive experiences — through exhibitions, events and interactive formats — that allow them to step into the worlds of these works and build deeper emotional connections with the characters and stories."
From a global industry perspective, a clear trend is emerging: anime-related initiatives are gradually shifting from short-term activations to sustainable cultural platforms and experiential spaces. Fans increasingly seek not a one-time event, but a place they can revisit — where experiences can accumulate and evolve over time.
In Hong Kong, however, such dedicated cultural spaces have historically been limited. Anime-related activities have largely taken the form of one-off consumption experiences: short-term exhibitions, mall pop-ups or large-scale conventions. While effective in generating foot traffic and buzz, these events are inherently transient. Once they end, engagement fades, making it difficult to sustain long-term cultural relationships.
As Sion notes: "Hong Kong has long had a mature anime culture and a large fan base. Yet most local anime activities are tied to shopping malls or exhibition venues and operate on a temporary basis. Many fans have been looking for a dedicated space — whether to experience exhibitions, participate in events, discover merchandise, or simply connect with the culture."
Against this backdrop, INCUBASE Studio established INCUBASE Arena in Hong Kong in 2024 as a dedicated anime cultural experience hub. By continuously introducing exhibitions, themed events and related experiences under one roof, INCUBASE Arena aims to create an environment where anime culture can thrive over time. This allows for deeper engagement between fans and content, moving beyond one-off consumption toward a sustained and growing community.
Such spaces can develop into cultural destinations within a city. For local audiences, they become regular spots to visit; for tourists, they serve as entry points to understanding the city's anime culture.
Sion adds: "When anime culture is anchored in a representative physical space within a city, it becomes more than just a gathering point for fans — it also becomes a cultural attraction for visitors. In many cities, anime landmarks have gradually evolved into tourism destinations, integrating anime into the city's cultural identity and travel experience."
Fan culture across the globe increasingly emphasises experience, community and emotional connection. Beyond Hong Kong, INCUBASE Studio has established INCUBASE Arena locations in Kuala Lumpur and Taipei, with plans to expand into South Korea and Thailand, as well as further across Asia and into Western markets.
Anime is no longer just part of the content industry — it is becoming an emotional medium that connects fans, cities and culture. Its future development will depend not only on the creation of new works, but also on whether cities can provide spaces where this culture can be continuously experienced, shared, and sustained.
For more information:
www.incubasestudio.com
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Anime Goes Mainstream: Driving Fan Economy and Experiential Cultural Spaces
