Project 5G-aNTeNna KICK-OFF

Linz, June 02, 2026 – Silicon Austria Labs (SAL) is leading the development of a compact European user terminal that combines 5G-NTN and highly efficient phased-array antennas. The system enables highly secure and resilient broadband communication in the Ka-band. The project consortium, which includes TechniSat, EnSilica, Terma Technologies, FRITZ!, and CISC Semiconductor, is thus providing the key technology for the new EU satellite infrastructure IRIS².

The Backbone for Europe’s Digital Sovereignty

The European Union has launched IRIS² to ensure sovereign, highly secure, and resilient satellite broadband communications, which are essential for governments, the military, and enterprises. A remarkable feature is the constellation's scalability, which opens a massive upcoming commercial market. IRIS² leverages 5G-NTN technology, which will drive the next major transformation in the Satcom market.

To fully unlock this dual-use potential, Europe requires ground hardware that is not only highly secure but also compact, cost-efficient, and scalable for mass production. The user terminal developed in the 5G-aNTeNna project fills this critical gap.

A Strong European Alliance for Next-Gen Satcom User Terminals

To cover the entire value chain from fundamental research to commercial mass production, the 5G-aNTeNna project unites leading European experts, each contributing critical expertise to the terminal's development:

• Silicon Austria Labs (SAL): Project lead and one of Europe’s top research centers for Electronics and Software Based Systems (ESBS), driving application-oriented cutting-edge research, including wireless communications and Millimeter Wave technologies.
• TechniSat: Pioneer in consumer electronics, satellite reception technology, and large-scale Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), including PCB assembly, plastic and metal processing, device assembly, and product development.
• EnSilica: Fabless semiconductor company with world-class expertise in designing and supplying custom RF, mmWave, mixed-signal and digital ICs, including Ka-band beamformer and 5G-NTN modem chips that are manufactured primarily within the European Union.
• Terma Technologies: Terma is a leading European space technology company delivering mission critical solutions for space, defence and security applications. In the 5G-aNTeNna project, Terma contributes its SPECTRA Software Defined Radio (SDR) platform, enabling secure, flexible and resilient satellite communications aligned with Europe IRIS² programme.
• FRITZ! is one of the leaders in Europe when it comes to broadband internet and digital home solutions. Their key portfolio includes the FRITZ!Box for all broadband connections like 5G, Fiber Optics, DSL, Cable with its software FRITZ!OS. FRITZ! has focused on developing innovative products in-house and producing them with partners in Europe.
• CISC Semiconductor: A globally operating technology company delivering hardware and software products, together with engineering services, for mission-critical communication and identification systems. Its SDR- and FPGA-based test, verification, and measurement solutions are trusted by leading companies and ensure the quality, security, and interoperability of their products.

Together, this consortium of excellence bridges the gap between laboratory research and commercial market readiness, ensuring that Europe’s upcoming space infrastructure is supported by sovereign, cutting-edge ground technology.

E-mail: stefan.wimmer@silicon-austria.com
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