MSSA Releases Strategic Blueprint to Accelerate Global NTN Integration and Interoperability

Staff Correspondent
Nov 22
2 min read

The Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) has unveiled a new Reference Architecture designed to accelerate the development, deployment, and worldwide integration of open, interoperable Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) solutions.

Released on November 19, 2025, the framework marks a significant milestone for an industry racing to meet surging global demand for high-speed, secure, and resilient connectivity, especially in regions where terrestrial networks fall short.

As satellite technologies evolve, NTN systems are becoming the backbone of connectivity expansion. They extend network reach into remote and underserved areas while enhancing the reliability and performance of terrestrial infrastructure. MSSA’s Reference Architecture lays out the system-level principles required to ensure devices, networks, and user experiences function seamlessly across hybrid connectivity environments.

Developed by the MSSA Technical Committee’s Reference Architecture Work Group, the document addresses longstanding integration challenges and sets out actionable best practices across the full service-delivery chain, from satellite constellations and ground networks to end-user mobile devices.

Key Insights from the MSSA Reference Architecture

1. Technological Evolution Across the NTN Stack

The report offers guidance for advancing satellite constellations, ground infrastructure, and mobile device capabilities, ensuring greater coverage, improved performance, and enhanced reliability.

2. Built-In Interoperability for True Global Reach

Interoperability remains a cornerstone. MSSA outlines harmonized design principles that allow NTN systems to integrate seamlessly with terrestrial networks, paving the way for mass-market adoption and consistent user experiences across regions and devices.

3. High-Priority, Real-World Use Cases

The Reference Architecture highlights mission-critical applications, including resource management, network selection, roaming, and network sharing, key to achieving global interoperability and meeting regulatory expectations.

4. Future-Proof Service Delivery Models

With growing demand for messaging, voice, data, and IoT over satellite, the document provides clear direction on delivering these services efficiently and securely using 3GPP-compliant NTN technologies.

Industry Perspective

“This Reference Architecture is a major step forward in shaping a cohesive and interoperable NTN ecosystem,” said Jeff Snyder, Work Group Lead and CTO at Omnispace. “By aligning with 3GPP specifications and addressing real-world use cases, our recommendations aim to guide industry stakeholders toward scalable, secure, and high-performance NTN solutions.”

The publication also reinforces MSSA’s support for global standardization efforts led by 3GPP and GSMA, underscoring its commitment to an ecosystem defined by collaboration, innovation, and technical rigor.

Looking ahead, MSSA plans to expand the Reference Architecture with deeper insights into emerging NTN topics. The association invites organizations and experts across the satellite and telecommunications sectors to join its membership and contribute to shaping the next generation of global NTN capabilities.

Stakeholders can download the full document, based on 3GPP Release 17, to explore the complete set of recommendations.