February 27, 2025

"If the sky is the limit, let's go there."

Welcome to the fifth issue of "O'Shea Insights," my newsletter, to update you on what's happening in Taoglas and the latest innovations shaping connectivity.

This issue dives into Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) - why they have my attention and should have yours.

Right now, nearly 600 million people live without access to any mobile network. Even more striking, terrestrial cellular coverage reaches just 10% of the Earth's surface, leaving a massive opportunity for satellite-driven connectivity.

NTNs are already reshaping wireless communication, using satellites to extend coverage where traditional networks can't reach and unlocking new possibilities for global connectivity. If you watched the Superbowl in the US you likely saw the T-Mobile ads for the Starlink partnership, exciting times - and I signed up to be a beta customer.

For IoT it opens up new connectivity opportunities that will transform smart agriculture, asset tracking, and logistics solutions. In the past, these solutions were cumbersome, expensive and not specifically suited to IoT, where you often need to send or receive a significant amount of data, e.g. device firmware updates.

NTN technology is rapidly evolving. In late 2024, a significant milestone was reached when 3GPP introduced a Work Item for Release 19, which marks the next step in global cellular standards. This update aims to simplify the use of cellular protocols for managing satellite communication, potentially reducing costs and expanding opportunities for addressable devices.

NTN Real-World Impact

The impact of NTN technology is already visible. After Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Starlink's NTN technology helped first responders coordinate rescue efforts in affected regions. Additionally, remote workers are now relying on satellite-connected apps for emergency alerts and GPS tracking, ensuring connectivity where terrestrial networks fail—demonstrating these networks' real-world potential and impact.

Antennas: the key to unlocking NTN's full potential

But what does all this mean for antennas? NTNs bring a significant advantage: the frequency bands used are close with cellular radio technology – one antenna can cover both Cellular and NTN networks, which is good news for you, our customers. Most modules that offer the service also have the same RF connector for both, so you switch and use either/or.

However, unlike traditional cellular networks, NTNs rely on satellites as base stations, enabling wider coverage but with weaker signal strength when reaching users. That's why your antenna choice is critical to ensuring a stable, reliable connection - and meeting NTN network requirements. If your antenna doesn't meet efficiency standards, your device won't be certified for network use. (Click here for more information about how the carrier certification and pre-certification processes work.)

Like cellular and GNSS devices, antenna integration will be critical for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN). Mechanically integrating a wideband antenna into small-form-factor devices while maintaining reliable RF performance is a tall order and will continue to be challenging without expert advice. Optimized antenna design and integration are the key to unlocking NTN's full potential.

For a deeper dive into NTN, Our Head of Engineering, Baha Badran, recently took part in a webinar with Nordic Semiconductor and DigiKey. You can watch the on-demand recording below. You can also explore our NTN technology page here to discover our cutting-edge NTN antennas designed for any device, any application.

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Now, What's Happening at Taoglas?

Taoglas Product Spotlight

Each year, we launch hundreds of new products, and last year we set a record with 300! Our Product Spotlight email is a fortnightly newsletter designed to keep you informed about the latest products and innovations from Taoglas.

If you'd like to stay updated on our newest product releases and gain exclusive insights into our latest solutions, subscribe to our Product Spotlight newsletter by signing up below.

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TRADESHOW: Embedded World Exhibition & Conference in Nuremberg, Germany

We always like to meet directly with customers, whether it's to talk through our products or share how Taoglas can help deliver on your project goals.

Join Taoglas in Nuremberg, Germany for the Embedded World Exhibition & Conference in Nuremberg. From March 11-13, 2025, the embedded community will gather to discuss the multifaceted world of embedded systems – from hardware and software to services and tools. Stop by Hall 3 to visit the Taoglas booth 522 and learn more about our broad portfolio of over 1,300 products and custom design services. You can schedule a meeting with one of our team here.

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In the News

The Microwave Journal's February 2025 issue features an article with our Head of Engineering, Baha Badran. In this article, Baha examines the technical complexities and approaches involved in designing and manufacturing transparent antennas for high-volume production, highlighting the interplay between RF design principles, material science, physics, mechanical engineering and advanced manufacturing processes.

Dive in now: The Art, Science and Magic of Invisibility: Designing Transparent Antennas | Microwave Journal

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Let’s stay connected! I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on these topics, so feel free to reach out with your suggestions.

Until next time.

Is mise, le meas (Kind Regards),

Dermot O'Shea

CEO and Co-Founder, Taoglas.