MSSA Joins 3GPP as Market Representation Partner

SAN RAMON, CA, UNITED STATES, October 22, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) has joined the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) as a Market Representation Partner (MRP), enhancing its role in supporting standards-based integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. This move is significant as MSSA aims to contribute market perspectives and coordinated industry requirements to the development of 3GPP specifications.

MSSA, a non-profit industry association founded in 2024, brings together satellite operators, mobile network operators, equipment manufacturers, infrastructure providers, chip vendors, and technology companies. Its mission is to enable the seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, thereby extending mobile coverage globally and ensuring interoperable, scalable connectivity.

As a 3GPP MRP, MSSA will leverage its expertise in satellite-to-device connectivity, non-terrestrial network (NTN) deployment models, roaming between terrestrial and satellite networks, spectrum management, interoperability, and the evolution of NTN systems. This participation is crucial as 3GPP begins planning for Release 21, which includes continued NTN evolution and the first normative 6G release. The work builds on significant NTN progress made in Release 20, as highlighted by Younsun Kim, the 3GPP Radio Access Network group (TSG RAN) Chair.

MSSA's approval as a 3GPP MRP reflects the growing role of non-terrestrial networks in the global mobile communications ecosystem. This development creates new opportunities to extend mobile connectivity beyond traditional terrestrial coverage areas, providing communications services on land, at sea, and in the air.

MSSA was approved during the project’s Organizational Partner meeting (OP#56) on October 22, 2026. As a neutral forum for industry collaboration, MSSA supports alignment with 3GPP and other applicable standards to extend mobile coverage globally and enable interoperable, scalable connectivity across integrated terrestrial and satellite networks.

This partnership is expected to strengthen engagement between 3GPP and stakeholders involved in the development and deployment of satellite-enabled mobile communications, ensuring that the future of advanced mobile services is shaped by a diverse and inclusive group of industry players.