Licensing Agreement for 5G and 4G Chipsets Announced
GCT Semiconductor Closes Deal with a “Leading Satellite Communications Provider”
A licensing agreement for 5G and 4G chipsets has been reached between a “leading satellite communications provider” and GCT Semiconductor. The agreement enables the integration of GCT’s 5G and 4G chipsets into the satellite provider’s user equipment, unlocking new capabilities via both satellite and terrestrial networks.
“By combining our advanced 5G semiconductor solutions with the global satellite footprint, we’re enabling a new era of always-on connectivity that is more robust, more flexible, and more accessible than ever before.”
John Schlaefer, GCT
This agreement also establishes a clear pathway for future chipset sales as the satellite provider will leverage GCT’s newly released 5G chipset to enable direct-to-satellite applications within its rapidly expanding network. Shipments of the 5G products supporting this initiative are expected to begin as early as the second half of this year.
“This collaboration positions both companies at the forefront of emerging and growing 5G-to-space networks that aim to deliver coverage globally, including underserved regions, and aims to accelerate the industry’s transition toward unified terrestrial-satellite networks,” said John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT. “By combining our advanced 5G semiconductor solutions with the global satellite footprint, we’re enabling a new era of always-on connectivity that is more robust, more flexible, and more accessible than ever before.”
Under the terms of the agreement, GCT will provide access to its chipset portfolio for use in multiple user devices to provide a complete product line of choice for all use cases. With GCT’s expertise in non-terrestrial connectivity and its proprietary mode-switching capabilities, these devices will be well-positioned to surpass expectations shaped by the disappointing performance of the current generation of non-terrestrial equipment.
This deal could be a gamechanger for closing the connectivity gap in underserved regions. The mode-switching capabilites between satellite and terrestrial networks is exactly what's needed to move beyond current non-terrestrial equipment limitations. Timing's interesting tho - shipments starting H2 2026 means they're racing against Starlink's direct-to-cell expansion. Worked on similar hybrid network projects and the engineering complexity of seamless handoffs is no joke.