Forsway, a company in affordable hybrid satellite and terrestrial connectivity solutions, has secured €2.3 million in development funding from the European Space Agency (ESA), with additional support from the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). This funding backs Forsway’s ambitious Xtend 5G project, a new 5G NTN (non-terrestrial network) satellite connectivity system designed to deliver high-speed, secure, and reliable connectivity by integrating satellite and ground-based networks.

What Xtend 5G Brings to the Table

Xtend 5G is set to be a groundbreaking solution for European connectivity, specifically supporting critical sectors such as government, defense, emergency services, and infrastructure. By integrating satellite and terrestrial technology, Xtend 5G will provide uninterrupted connectivity across urban, rural, and remote areas, operating on both open and closed networks to ensure robust security and control.

The project will also extend connectivity to underserved rural communities across Europe, addressing digital divides by providing reliable internet access in areas with limited infrastructure and unused operator bandwidth. This inclusive approach promises to drive development by increasing access to essential services in hard-to-reach areas.

Xtend 5G’s dual-use design further supports Europe’s connectivity ecosystem, enhancing the region’s competitiveness in hybrid network technology. By offering both primary connectivity and a backup solution, Xtend 5G enables critical infrastructure to remain resilient in the event of disruptions due to geographic isolation or adverse conditions.

In addition, Xtend 5G is fully compatible with a range of security protocols, allowing seamless integration with existing systems while maintaining adaptability and security. This flexibility is ideal for organizations that require custom solutions, including government and public sector agencies with stringent requirements.

Partnerships and Support for the Future of Satellite-Integrated Connectivity

Tobias Forsell, CEO of Forsway, expressed excitement over the ESA and SNSA partnership, calling the system "a highly beneficial tool for sectors demanding secure, robust, and fast communication." Forsell emphasized Xtend 5G’s ability to meet strict standards, offering customizable and resilient connectivity for public agencies and private operators involved in sensitive operations.

ESA’s support for Xtend 5G reflects its broader mission to foster connectivity across Europe, increasing both societal and economic opportunities by expanding digital access to more communities. Through projects like Xtend 5G, ESA envisions positive impacts for businesses and citizens alike, especially in remote regions.

Antonio Franchi, ESA’s Head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, highlighted the importance of hybrid communication technologies, stating that integrating satellite, 5G NTN, and mobile networks is key to future connectivity. Georgios Ziaragkas, ESA Ground Segment Engineer, added, “ESA is proud to support Forsway in developing next-generation connectivity systems, enhancing daily life for people and businesses while fostering a more competitive European industry.”

ESA’s Vision Through the ARTES Program

Xtend 5G aligns with ESA’s goals within the ARTES (Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems) program, which promotes the fusion of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. ARTES aims to support Europe’s digital transformation by advancing seamless, secure, and resilient connectivity across sectors.

Beyond technology development, ARTES envisions a fully connected Europe, advancing applications in telemedicine, tele-education, autonomous vehicles, and other critical areas. The program aims to establish a standardized, global network to drive economic growth, security, and resilience across industries.

ESA’s strategic ECSAT 5G/6G Hub in the UK and ESTEC Telecom 5G/6G Lab in the Netherlands support these initiatives, providing industry partners with spaces for innovation and testing. By fostering a secure, integrated connectivity infrastructure, ESA is working to ensure standardized, universal connectivity across sectors, from healthcare to transportation.

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