OQ Receives EU Funding for 5G D2D Satellite Test

OQ Technology outlined plans for a test of secure 5G messaging direct to standard smartphones from low Earth orbit (LEO) birds. The project will be supported with a grant of €2.5 million from the European Innovation Council (EIC).

The company aims to be the first commercial provider based in Europe to launch in the satellite direct-to-device (D2D) segment, complementing its IoT play. Its upcoming 5GNETSAT mission aims to provide technical validation for the distribution of SMS and emergency alerts from LEO birds to 5G devices using IMT spectrum.

Luxembourg-based OQ expects the architecture to support public safety communications during disasters or cyberattacks, and secure coordination for first responders and national emergency agencies, alongside more regular types of messaging. It asserted the move would advance Europe’s digital sovereignty and space innovation mission, and is the first demonstration of its kind on the continent.

Alongside the grant from the EIC, which is funded by the European Commission, the satellite company revealed it was selected by the organisation to receive equity investment. “This dual support comes amid rising geopolitical focus on sovereign digital infrastructure and resilient communications networks,” it added.