Viasat and Rohde & Schwarz have joined forces to boost testing for Narrowband Non-terrestrial Networks (NB-NTN) IoT devices connecting via satellite.
By thoroughly validating devices and confirming interoperability with Viasat’s network, the collaboration aims to help ensure uninterrupted connectivity for a wide range of satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Visitors to MWC Barcelona 2026 can experience the test plan in action.
Caption: The test plan with Viasat runs on the CMX500 one-box tester for NTN testing.
Viasat, a global leader in satellite communications, and Rohde & Schwarz, a leading provider of test and measurement solutions, are working together to strengthen and expand testing for Non Terrestrial Network (NTN) capabilities, specifically for NB-IoT devices. The collaboration aims to ensure that chipsets, modules and devices interoperate seamlessly with Viasat’s satellite network and comply with 3GPP Release 17 standards.
Deploying advanced testing methodologies upholds the highest standards of quality, performance and reliability for Viasat’s connectivity services: delivering ubiquitous IoT applications in areas without terrestrial network coverage.
The certification test plan with Viasat entails protocol, performance and RF test scenarios. It is based on the CMX500 one-box signaling tester from Rohde & Schwarz, a versatile solution designed for testing various NTN technologies, including New Radio (NR-NTN) and NB-NTN.
In a single instrument, the CMX500 covers R&D through certification and carrier acceptance tests, guaranteeing reliable and repeatable results. It empowers engineers to accelerate development, ensure quality and confidently deploy reliable NTN services, safeguarding that the whole ecosystem can achieve the highest levels of performance.
Rohde & Schwarz will showcase first test results covering protocol, performance and RF test scenarios of the test plan at the Rohde & Schwarz booth 5A80 in hall 5 from March 2 to 5, 2026 at MWC Barcelona 2026.
Visit Viasat in hall 6, booth 6A20.
For more information on the CMX500 for NTN testing, visit:
https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/_258274.html
www.rohde-schwarz.com
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Asia Pacific: Cheyenne Chui (phone: +65 6307 0053; email: press.apac@rohde-schwarz.com)
Rohde & Schwarz
Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies.
The company’s leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably.
Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 3.16 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2025, Rohde & Schwarz had around 15,000 employees worldwide.
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