OQ Technology has launched its flagship 5NETSAT mission, backed by a €2.5m grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) under the EIC Accelerator programme. The mission aims to demonstrate direct satellite-to-smartphone communication capabilities, including emergency SMS and broadcast alerts delivered to standard 5G devices using IMT spectrum. These services will operate without any hardware or software modifications, marking a significant leap in Europe’s secure space-based communications infrastructure.
In addition to the grant, OQ Technology has secured equity investment from the EIC Fund, reinforcing the European Union’s confidence in the company’s trajectory to become the region’s first commercial Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) satellite operator. The dual support comes amid heightened geopolitical attention on sovereign digital infrastructure and resilient communication networks.
Omar Qaise, Founder and CEO of OQ Technology, said: “This marks a significant milestone in our journey to build Europe’s first commercial Direct-to-Mobile satellite constellation. With 5NETSAT, we are proving that secure, space-based mobile communication is not only technically viable but scalable, sustainable, and lifesaving.”
5NETSAT will serve as Europe’s first service demonstration of a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) in Low Earth Orbit. It will enable satellite-based delivery of emergency alerts and SMS messages to 5G smartphones, allow real-time public safety communications during disasters or cyberattacks, and support secure coordination for first responders and national emergency agencies. The system’s compatibility with standard 3GPP smartphones allows for rapid deployment across both civilian and governmental applications.
Beyond technical validation, the mission is expected to deliver a wide-ranging impact. Socially, it promotes digital inclusion for underserved regions and improves public safety. Economically, it supports innovation, creates high-value jobs in the European space sector, and opens new commercial opportunities through mobile-satellite convergence. Environmentally, it reduces dependence on terrestrial infrastructure and aligns with the European Green Deal by enabling greener connectivity.
5NETSAT also supports key EU policy initiatives, including IRIS², The Digital Decade, Horizon Europe, and the Gigabit Infrastructure Act. It directly contributes to global Sustainable Development Goals, especially in areas such as disaster resilience, climate action, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
With EIC funding secured, 5NETSAT becomes the critical first step toward full-scale deployment of OQ Technology’s global D2M constellation. The company is advancing rapidly toward commercial launch, unlocking new markets and delivering secure, resilient mobile connectivity across Europe and beyond.
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