![\"French](\"https:\/\/static.electronicsweekly.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/01181001\/CNES-UNIVITY.webp\")
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The plan is for a fully integrated 5G non-terrestrial network, designed and built in France. It will be combining VLEO (very low Earth orbit) satellites with terrestrial infrastructure.<\/p>\n
CNES (Centre National d\u2019Etudes Spatiales) is the state agency responsible for proposing French space policy to the Government and implementing it in Europe.<\/p>\n
Funding<\/h2>\n
The two French organisations say it is a \u201cmajor milestone\u201d towards deploying a hybrid and \u201csovereign\u201d connectivity through satellite-based 5G technology.<\/p>\n
As well as the \u20ac31 million in funding, the contract involves an additional \u20ac31 million of financing<\/a> from UNIVITY, too.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks to France 2030 funding, CNES is supporting UNIVITY in preparing, through the in-orbit demonstration \u2018uniShape\u2019, a satellite-based 5G-NTN service designed to meet the needs of terrestrial operators,\u201d said Caroline Laurent, Director of Orbital Systems and Applications, CNES.<\/p>\n \u201cUNIVITY\u2019s \u2018uniSky\u2019 constellation aims to deliver a distinctive French solution for high-speed space-based 5G-NTN connectivity, serving both consumer and professional users, built on innovative concepts and breakthrough technologies.\u201d<\/p>\n The work is under the aegis of France 2030. This is a state-sponsored multi-billion national investment plan, dating from 2021.<\/p>\n It aims to position France as a leader in a number of sectors. Nuclear, digital and transport technology, for example. It also includes supporting the decarbonization of industries.<\/p>\n UNIVITY, a Paris-based startup, highlighted the strategic importance of the 5G project. V\u00e9ronique Bonnet, Program Director at UNIVITY, said:<\/p>\n \u201cWe are proud to have the support of France 2030 for this project. [It] represents a true strategic milestone for us. This recognition validates both our expertise and our vision of converging terrestrial and space networks.\u201d<\/p>\n The company was formerly known as Constellation Technologies & Operations.<\/p>\n Image: UNIVITY\/CNES \u2013 Charles Delfieux, CEO and President of UNIVITY left. He is signing the contract with Christelle Boustie, Deputy Director of Telecommunications and Navigation at CNES.<\/em><\/p>\n See also<\/em>: MaiaSpace modular space launcher wins first commercial contract<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nFrance 2030<\/h2>\n
UNIVITY<\/h2>\n