Stockholm, November 13, 2024: Forsway, provider of cost-efficient hybrid satellite terrestrial solutions and equipment for broadband connectivity, secures a major development funding contract from the European Space Agency (ESA) with support from the Swedish National Space Agency (SNSA). In the new project, Xtend 5G, Forsway will build a next generation 5G NTN two-way/hybrid satellite connectivity system enabling the combined use of satellite and ground infrastructure to provide seamless connectivity anywhere, regardless of network. Xtend 5G will provide European government, defence, emergency services and critical infrastructure sectors with seamless connectivity anywhere, anytime, in an open or closed network and with full system control. 

(Link to press release in Swedish)

The Xtend 5G development will be co-funded by ESA’s ARTES 4.0 Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme line. The Xtend 5G system will be an independent connectivity solution to satellite platforms with the aim of providing a main connectivity source or essential backup for a critical system. The white label solution will enable any security solution being ported on top.

–Tobias Forsell, CEO at Forsway, “We are thrilled to launch this exciting partnership with ESA & SNSA. The new communication system will be a highly beneficial tool for security, government organizations, the energy sector and others demanding secure, robust, and fast communication where full control over the connectivity ecosystem is crucial. Xtend 5G can be employed in an open or closed network format.”

“To meet strict requirements of government and public agencies, we will offer a highly customizable and fully secure solution to address their needs. Additionally, Xtend 5G will provide a robust backup connection for critical infrastructure installations that may be vulnerable due to geographical location.”

Antonio Franchi, ESA Head of the 5G/6G NTN Programme Office, “We believe hybrid communication technologies that integrate satellite, 5G NTN and mobile networks will play an important role in future connectivity ecosystems. ESA is interested in supporting private sector companies that can enhance ground segments for future satellite systems in Europe and boost regional capacity with comprehensive, dual-use technology and highly dependable connectivity. We are pleased to support Forsway in this unique project with funding, guidance, and expertise.”

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About ESA’s Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity programme 

The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space, coordinating the financial and intellectual resources of its Member States to conduct space programmes and activities. ESA’s ‘Space for 5G/6G & Sustainable Connectivity’ strategic programme line is advancing 5G and 6G technologies to support the digital transformation of Europe by integrating satellite and ground networks. This fusion of terrestrial (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) will revolutionise how we live, work, and communicate in terms of smart mobility, global coverage, security, and network resilience. The programme aims to promote the standardisation of seamless global connectivity for various industries and applications, including telemedicine, tele-education, and autonomous vehicles, airplanes, and ships.

The flagship ECSAT 5G/6G Hub (UK), created with CGI and the UK Space Agency, is a centre for innovation and demonstration, tailored to meet the growing demands of stakeholders such as operators, technology and service providers, and applications developers. The ESTEC Telecom 5G/6G Lab (Netherlands) features a variety of testing facilities for TN/NTN and offers a collaborative space for our industry partners.

This programme is part of Advanced Research in Telecommunications Systems (ARTES), overseen by ESA’s Connectivity and Secure Communications (CSC) directorate, which aims to connect everyone, everywhere, at all times. Learn more at https://connectivity.esa.int/space-5g-6g

About Forsway Scandinavia AB

Forsway’s unique, innovative products and technology solutions combine satellite with existing telecom networks enabling broadband services for users in markets and segments lacking reliable internet access. Use cases include communication solutions for defence and delivery of educational content to rural schools. Forsway’s unique solutions eliminate the need to deploy additional network infrastructure, creating significant time and cost savings for operators and service providers.

The Forsway Xtend ecosystem is a complete toolkit and cost-effective hybrid satellite extension challenging the traditionally high cost of connecting hard-to-reach, underserved markets – rural areas in both emerging and established markets. Xtend is designed to remove the complexity of rolling-out satellite broadband to regions with limited infrastructure and monetize unused operator bandwidth. Learn more at www.forsway.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

For additional information, please contact:

Forsway

Leslie Johnsen
Communications Director
Mob: +47 41 45 80 43
Email: leslie.johnsen@forsway.com 

Tobias Forsell
Forsway CEO
Mob: +46 709 79 70 52
Email: tobias.forsell@forsway.com

Bengt Jönsson
Chairman of the Board
Mob: +46 708 22 31 77
Email: bengt.jonsson@forsway.com

ESA Newsroom and Media Relations
Email: media@esa.int