5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Certification Program 2026: Master Satellite-Based 5G & 6G Networks
Introduction 5G 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
5G 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Imagine a mobile network that can provide connectivity not only through terrestrial towers but also through satellites flying hundreds of kilometres above Earth.
That is the direction in which modern telecom networks are moving. The 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Certification Program is designed for engineers and students who want to understand this emerging combination of satellite communication and cellular networking.5G 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
As 5G evolves toward 5G-Advanced and 6G, NTN is becoming an important part of future communication systems. The course material specifically highlights the convergence of terrestrial and satellite communication and references companies such as SpaceX, AST SpaceMobile, OneWeb and Amazon Project Kuiper as examples of activity in this ecosystem.5G 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
The program from Apeksha Telecom Services Pvt Ltd is structured as an industry-oriented learning path covering 3GPP Release 17, Release 18, Release 19 and the Release 20 roadmap. It combines instructor-led learning with hands-on work using MATLAB, Python, link-budget tools and satellite simulators.
This makes the subject much broader than simply learning how satellites work.5G 6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)
Students need to understand 5G NR, satellite orbits, NTN architecture, PHY and MAC challenges, timing synchronization, mobility, handover, QoS, link budgets, IoT, network planning and future 6G concepts.
This guide takes you through the complete program, its curriculum, practical labs, prerequisites, career opportunities and the supporting role of MEC, edge computing and NEF in the broader 5G ecosystem.

Table of Contents
What Are Non-Terrestrial Networks?
Why NTN Matters for 5G-Advanced and 6G
Course Overview
Who Should Attend?
Prerequisites
Module 1 – Introduction to NTN and Satellite Communications
Module 2 – Satellite Fundamentals
Module 3 – Introduction to 3GPP NTN
Module 4 – NTN Architecture
Module 5 – NTN Frequency Bands and Spectrum
Module 6 – PHY Layer Challenges in NTN
Module 7 – MAC Layer Enhancements
Module 8 – NTN-Specific Signaling
Module 9 – Timing Synchronization
Module 10 – Mobility Management
Module 11 – QoS and Network Optimization
Module 12 – NTN Deployment and Planning
Module 13 – NTN for IoT and Massive Machine Communications
Module 14 – 5G-Advanced NTN Features
Module 15 – 6G NTN Vision
Hands-On NTN Labs
What Is MEC in 5G?
Role of NEF in 5G Core
Benefits of Edge Computing
MEC Architecture
NEF APIs and Exposure Functions
MEC vs Cloud Computing
Real-Time 5G Applications
AI and Edge Computing
5G Private Networks
Future of MEC, NEF and NTN
Telecom Industry Career Opportunities
Why Apeksha Telecom and Bikas Kumar Singh?
Learning Outcomes
FAQs
Conclusion
What Are Non-Terrestrial Networks?
Non-Terrestrial Networks are communication networks that use platforms located above the Earth's surface to provide or complement wireless connectivity. These platforms can include satellites in Low Earth Orbit, Medium Earth Orbit and Geostationary Earth Orbit, along with high-altitude platforms.
The basic idea is simple. Traditional cellular networks depend on terrestrial infrastructure such as towers, base stations and terrestrial backhaul. NTN adds another connectivity layer. A user, sensor, vehicle or remote installation can potentially communicate through a satellite-based network when terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable or insufficient.
GSMA describes NTN as an ecosystem involving the interworking of satellite and terrestrial networks, with use cases spanning connectivity, IoT and coverage extension.
Important NTN use cases
The course specifically covers:
Broadband over satellite
Direct-to-device connectivity
Maritime communications
Aviation connectivity
Disaster recovery communications
Massive IoT applications
These applications make NTN relevant to telecom operators, satellite companies, IoT providers, aerospace organizations and network equipment manufacturers.
Why NTN Matters for 5G-Advanced and 6G
The traditional telecom model was built primarily around terrestrial coverage. But not every part of the planet can be economically covered using conventional towers.
Oceans, deserts, mountains, remote villages and disaster zones can require different connectivity approaches. Satellites can provide wide-area coverage and can complement terrestrial networks in these environments.
3GPP introduced NTN support into its specifications in Release 17, and NTN work has continued through later releases. Current 3GPP work includes Release 19 NTN enhancements, while future releases continue to evolve the technology.
The program therefore focuses on Release 17, Release 18, Release 19 and the Release 20 roadmap, giving learners a standards-oriented view of NTN evolution.
In 2026, this area is particularly relevant because industry activity is increasingly focused on satellite-terrestrial convergence, direct-to-device connectivity, AI and future 6G systems. GSMA and ESA, for example, announced funding initiatives in 2026 covering AI for NTN, direct-to-device connectivity, 5G/6G hubs and 6G innovation.
Course Overview
The 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Certification Program from Apeksha Telecom Services Pvt Ltd is presented as an industry-oriented program for learning satellite-based 5G and 6G networks.
According to the course document, the program has a duration of 80 hours, with a listed fee of INR 50,000. It is available through Online Live / Classroom delivery and uses instructor-led sessions with hands-on activities. The stated level is intermediate to advanced.
Program at a glance
Parameter | Course Details |
Course | 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks |
Duration | 80 Hours |
Fee | INR 50,000 |
Mode | Online Live / Classroom |
Training | Instructor Led + Hands-on |
Level | Intermediate to Advanced |
Certification | Apeksha Telecom Industry Certification |
Batch | Weekend / Weekday |
Tools | MATLAB, Python, Link Budget Tools, Satellite Simulators |
Standards | 3GPP Release 17, 18, 19 + Release 20 Roadmap |
These details come directly from the course document and should be checked with Apeksha Telecom for the latest batch-specific availability and commercial terms.
Who Should Attend?
The program is not limited to one type of telecom professional. The course document specifically identifies telecom engineers, 4G/5G protocol engineers, RF engineers, RAN engineers, satellite communication engineers, network planning engineers and system engineers as potential participants.
It also targets telecom researchers, PhD scholars, M.Tech students, B.Tech students and professionals preparing for 5G-Advanced and 6G careers. This broad audience reflects the multidisciplinary nature of NTN.
NTN sits at the intersection of radio access, satellite communication, RF engineering, networking, protocol engineering and systems architecture. Someone coming from any of these backgrounds can therefore approach the subject from a different technical angle.
Suitable professionals include
Prerequisites for NTN Training
NTN is an advanced subject. The course therefore specifies some prerequisites.
The mandatory prerequisites are 5G NR Fundamentals and 5G Air Interface Basics. Recommended knowledge includes 5G SA Call Flow, RRC Procedures, LTE Fundamentals and basic satellite communication knowledge.
This prerequisite structure makes sense from a learning perspective. Engineers first need to understand how a conventional 5G system works before studying what changes when the radio link involves a moving satellite.
For example, timing advance is already important in cellular networks. NTN introduces additional timing challenges because propagation distances can be much larger. Similarly, mobility exists in terrestrial networks, but satellite movement creates different handover considerations.
Module 1: Introduction to NTN and Satellite Communications
The first module establishes the foundation. It explains the evolution from terrestrial networks toward NTN and examines why NTN matters for 5G-Advanced and 6G. Students are introduced to the major applications of satellite-enabled cellular connectivity.
The curriculum specifically includes broadband over satellite, direct-to-device connectivity, maritime communication, aviation connectivity, disaster recovery communication and massive IoT.
The purpose of this module is to answer a fundamental question: Why does telecom need NTN?
Once learners understand the business and technical motivation, later modules become easier to connect to real-world applications.
Module 2: Satellite Fundamentals
The second module moves into satellite technology. It covers satellite communication principles, GEO, MEO and LEO satellites, satellite orbits and coverage, payload architecture, communication link basics and satellite network topology.
This foundation is essential because different satellite orbits produce different network characteristics.
LEO satellites move rapidly relative to Earth and generally involve shorter propagation distances than GEO systems. GEO satellites provide broad coverage but introduce larger propagation delays. MEO systems sit between these two categories.
Engineers need to understand these differences before analyzing latency, Doppler, coverage and handover.
Module 3: Introduction to 3GPP NTN
NTN is not an independent satellite standard disconnected from cellular networks. 3GPP has developed specifications and work items addressing NTN within the broader cellular ecosystem.
This module covers the NTN standardization journey, Release 17 NTN introduction, Release 18 enhancements, Release 19 developments and a preview of Release 20 and 6G NTN. It also introduces NTN deployment models.
Current 3GPP records confirm continuing NTN work in Release 19, including NR NTN Phase 3 features.
For engineers, learning how specifications evolve is important because real telecom development depends heavily on standards.
Module 4: NTN Architecture
NTN architecture can be implemented in different ways. The course therefore covers transparent payload architecture, regenerative payload architecture and bent-pipe satellite systems.
It also introduces gNB onboard satellite architecture, gateway deployment options, NTN network elements and complete end-to-end NTN architecture.
A transparent payload can forward signals while much of the processing remains on the ground. A regenerative approach can move more processing into the satellite system.
Understanding these architectures helps engineers evaluate where RAN functions, gateways and processing resources are located.
Module 5: NTN Frequency Bands and Spectrum
Radio spectrum is one of the most important resources in wireless communication. NTN introduces additional spectrum planning considerations because satellite and terrestrial systems may need to coexist.
The program covers S-band, L-band, Ku-band, Ka-band and V-band, along with spectrum allocation challenges and spectrum-sharing mechanisms.
Frequency selection affects propagation characteristics, antenna design, bandwidth, coverage and system architecture.
Engineers working in NTN therefore need to understand not only cellular protocols but also RF and spectrum fundamentals.
Module 6: PHY Layer Challenges in NTN
The physical layer faces several challenges in satellite-based communication. The course specifically covers propagation delay, Doppler effects in LEO satellites, Timing Advance modifications, frequency synchronization, HARQ considerations, channel estimation and coverage enhancement mechanisms.
These are critical areas because NTN links can behave very differently from terrestrial radio links.
Doppler is particularly important for LEO systems because the satellite is moving rapidly relative to the user. Timing is also critical because the distance between the user and satellite can introduce substantial propagation delay.
A telecom engineer studying NTN should therefore understand both the theoretical reason for these challenges and their impact on network procedures.
Module 7: MAC Layer Enhancements
The MAC layer manages important radio resource procedures. In NTN, those procedures need adaptations to deal with long delays, satellite movement and changing radio conditions.
The curriculum covers scheduling, random access, RACH enhancements, uplink scheduling, timing compensation, HARQ adaptation and DMRS bundling concepts.
Random access is particularly important because a device needs to establish communication with the network even when propagation conditions differ significantly from terrestrial systems.
Understanding MAC-layer adaptations helps engineers connect radio theory with practical signaling behavior.
Module 8: NTN-Specific Signaling
The program then moves into signaling procedures and information elements specific to NTN.
Topics include SIB19, ephemeris information, epoch time, NTN-specific information elements, positioning support and cell-selection parameters.
This module is particularly useful for protocol engineers because it connects NTN concepts with actual cellular signaling.
For someone working in protocol testing or log analysis, understanding the purpose of NTN-specific information can help make signaling traces easier to interpret.
Module 9: Timing Synchronization
Timing is one of the central engineering challenges in NTN. Satellite distance, movement and changing propagation conditions create requirements that differ from conventional terrestrial networks.
The course covers time synchronization challenges, GNSS-assisted timing, Timing Advance calculation, round-trip delay estimation and synchronization mechanisms.
Engineers should understand why timing errors affect uplink transmission, synchronization and overall network performance.
The hands-on component later reinforces this concept through NTN Timing Advance calculations.
Module 10: Mobility Management in NTN
Satellite networks introduce a different mobility environment. A satellite or beam can move relative to a user even when the user itself is stationary.
The curriculum covers location-based handover, time-based handover, beam handover, satellite handover, RACH-less mobility and mobility optimization techniques.
This is particularly relevant for LEO constellations. As satellites move across the sky, network planning must account for changing beams and coverage.
Understanding NTN mobility can therefore be valuable for RAN engineers, protocol engineers and network planners.
Module 11: QoS and Network Optimization
Connectivity alone is not enough. Networks must also deliver appropriate performance to different applications.
The program covers the QoS framework for NTN, traffic prioritization, network slicing, congestion management, performance optimization and latency management.
A broadband user, an IoT sensor and a critical industrial application may have very different requirements.
Network optimization therefore involves balancing available resources, application requirements, coverage and latency.
Module 12: NTN Deployment and Planning
Deploying an NTN system involves more than launching satellites. Engineers need to understand coverage, capacity, gateways, spectrum, regulatory considerations and business models.
This module covers gateway dimensioning, coverage planning, link-budget analysis, capacity planning, regulatory considerations, business models and deployment strategies.
Link-budget knowledge is particularly useful because it helps engineers evaluate whether a communication link can meet the required performance.
This is where theoretical satellite communication starts connecting with practical network planning.
Module 13: NTN for IoT and Massive Machine Communications
IoT is one of the important application areas for NTN because many sensors operate in locations where terrestrial coverage may not be available.
The course covers NB-IoT over NTN, RedCap over NTN, satellite IoT applications, agriculture, smart logistics and asset tracking.
Imagine agricultural sensors distributed across a large remote region or tracking devices attached to assets moving across areas with limited terrestrial coverage.
NTN can become a useful connectivity layer for these scenarios, subject to the requirements and capabilities of the specific deployment.
Module 14: 5G-Advanced NTN Features
The next stage of NTN development involves enhanced capabilities. The curriculum covers enhanced mobility support, improved scheduling, AI-assisted resource management, enhanced satellite integration, NTN network slicing and integrated sensing and communications.
Current 3GPP Release 19 work includes further NR NTN enhancements, including coverage and uplink-capacity related work.
This demonstrates why engineers should keep learning beyond the first generation of NTN specifications.
Module 15: 6G NTN Vision
The final curriculum module looks beyond current 5G NTN toward future network concepts.
Topics include Space-Air-Ground Integrated Networks (SAGIN), AI-native satellite networks, HAPS integration, CubeSat networks, integrated sensing and communication, Digital Twin Networks and future research directions.
The concept of SAGIN is especially important because future connectivity may involve several layers: space, aerial platforms and terrestrial infrastructure.
For researchers and professionals interested in 6G, these concepts provide a foundation for exploring future network architecture.
Hands-On Labs
One of the strongest practical components of the course is its laboratory structure. The PDF specifies eight hands-on labs, covering satellite simulation, propagation, Doppler, timing, link budgets, mobility, QoS and beam coverage.
Lab 1 – Satellite Orbit and Coverage Simulation
Students simulate satellite orbits and analyze coverage areas.
Lab 2 – Propagation Delay Calculation
The exercise compares propagation delay for GEO, MEO and LEO satellite systems.
Lab 3 – Doppler Shift Analysis
Students analyze Doppler effects associated with Low Earth Orbit systems.
Lab 4 – NTN Timing Advance Calculation
This exercise focuses on Timing Advance behavior in an NTN environment.
Lab 5 – Satellite Link Budget Calculation
Students work with link-budget concepts relevant to satellite communication.
Lab 6 – Mobility and Handover Simulation
This lab explores satellite mobility and handover behavior.
Lab 7 – QoS Analysis
Students analyze QoS for broadband and IoT services.
Lab 8 – Satellite Beam Coverage Planning
The final exercise focuses on planning satellite beam coverage.
The course identifies MATLAB, Python, link-budget tools and satellite simulators as hands-on tools.
What Is MEC in 5G?
Multi-access Edge Computing, or MEC, is a complementary technology relevant to the broader 5G architecture. It places computing resources closer to users and network access points.
MEC is not listed as a standalone module in the supplied NTN course PDF. However, it is highly relevant when discussing applications that combine 5G, NTN, cloud and real-time processing.
For example, an NTN-connected industrial system may generate data that needs to be analyzed quickly. Rather than sending every piece of data to a distant centralized cloud, selected workloads can be processed at an appropriate edge location.
Role of NEF in 5G Core
The Network Exposure Function, or NEF, is a 5G Core network function that enables controlled exposure of selected network capabilities to authorized applications.
NEF is also not listed as a dedicated module in the supplied course curriculum. It is included here as supporting knowledge because modern telecom networks increasingly connect applications with programmable network capabilities.
For telecom engineers, understanding NEF helps build a broader picture of how 5G Core, applications, APIs and network services interact.
Benefits of Edge Computing
Edge computing can reduce the distance between applications and the data they process. This can be useful for real-time workloads such as industrial monitoring, video analytics and intelligent transportation.
The key benefits can include lower application latency, local processing, reduced backhaul requirements and improved support for time-sensitive workloads.
When combined with NTN, the correct architecture becomes particularly important. Satellite connectivity may provide the access path, while edge computing can handle selected workloads closer to where data is generated or consumed.
MEC Architecture
A simplified MEC architecture can include user equipment, RAN connectivity, an edge platform, 5G Core and centralized cloud infrastructure.
The device may connect through terrestrial 5G or NTN. Network functions manage connectivity, while selected applications run at an edge location.
A typical conceptual flow is:
Device → 5G/NTN Access → 5G Core → Edge Platform → Application → Central Cloud
The actual implementation depends on the deployment model and application requirements.
NEF APIs and Exposure Functions
NEF provides controlled interfaces for exposing selected network capabilities. This reflects the broader transition toward programmable telecom networks.
Application developers can potentially interact with network capabilities through standardized interfaces rather than accessing internal network components directly.
For telecom professionals, learning APIs alongside RAN and Core technologies can create a more complete understanding of modern network architecture.
MEC vs Cloud Computing
MEC and cloud computing should not be viewed as direct replacements for one another.
Cloud platforms provide centralized and highly scalable computing resources. Edge computing distributes selected workloads closer to users.
Feature | MEC / Edge | Central Cloud |
Location | Near users/network edge | Central data center |
Latency | Potentially lower | Depends on distance |
Processing | Distributed | Centralized |
Real-time workloads | Strong fit | Depends on architecture |
Large-scale computing | Available but distributed | Highly scalable |
Data movement | Can reduce transport | Often greater |
A modern telecom ecosystem can use devices, edge infrastructure and centralized cloud simultaneously.
Real-Time 5G Applications
Real-time communication is one of the major reasons telecom engineers care about latency and network performance.
Applications can include industrial automation, connected vehicles, AR/VR, robotics, intelligent transportation, remote monitoring and real-time video analytics.
In NTN environments, application designers must additionally consider propagation delay, mobility, coverage changes and link conditions.
This makes the course topics around latency management, QoS, timing and mobility especially relevant to application-level network design.
AI and Edge Computing
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly relevant to network management and resource optimization.
The course itself includes AI-assisted resource management within its 5G-Advanced NTN module.
AI can potentially help analyze network conditions, optimize resources, predict traffic and support intelligent decision-making.
GSMA and ESA's 2026 initiative specifically identifies AI × NTN as an area for development, including dynamic spectrum and traffic orchestration across multi-orbit satellite and terrestrial networks.
This makes AI knowledge increasingly relevant to engineers preparing for advanced telecom roles.
5G Private Networks
Private 5G networks provide organizations with dedicated cellular connectivity for specific environments.
Examples include manufacturing facilities, ports, warehouses, mines, utilities and industrial campuses.
NTN can potentially complement private networks in remote or difficult-to-cover environments. A private network could use terrestrial infrastructure locally while satellite connectivity provides additional reach or backhaul depending on the deployment.
Understanding RAN, Core, QoS, network slicing and edge computing therefore becomes useful when designing advanced enterprise connectivity solutions.
Future of MEC, NEF and NTN
The long-term direction of telecom is increasingly about convergence.
Instead of treating terrestrial networks, satellites, edge computing, cloud and AI as separate technologies, future systems can combine them into integrated architectures.
The supplied course reflects this direction through topics such as SAGIN, AI-native satellite networks, HAPS, CubeSat networks, integrated sensing and communication and Digital Twin Networks.
Current 3GPP work also demonstrates that NTN continues to evolve. Release 19 includes additional NR NTN work, while later releases provide a path for continued development.
In 2026, the industry conversation is also expanding toward direct-to-device connectivity, AI-enabled NTN and 6G innovation.
Telecom Industry Career Opportunities
The course is designed around future-oriented telecom careers. Its stated career opportunities include NTN Protocol Engineer, Satellite Communication Engineer, 5G-Advanced RAN Engineer, 6G Research Engineer, System Architect, RF Planning Engineer, Network Optimization Engineer, Telecom Standards Engineer and Satellite IoT Engineer.
These roles can require different skill combinations.
A protocol engineer may focus on signaling and standards. An RF planning engineer may concentrate on spectrum, coverage and link budgets. A system architect may need a broader understanding of RAN, Core, satellite and cloud infrastructure.
Potential career directions
NTN Protocol Engineer
Satellite Communication Engineer
5G-Advanced RAN Engineer
6G Research Engineer
System Architect
RF Planning Engineer
Network Optimization Engineer
Telecom Standards Engineer
Satellite IoT Engineer
The learning outcomes are also designed around practical capabilities such as understanding NTN architecture, explaining Release 17–19 standards, analyzing PHY/MAC adaptations, understanding mobility and handover, performing timing calculations and evaluating deployment strategies.
Why Apeksha Telecom and Bikas Kumar Singh Matter for a Telecom Career
Apeksha Telecom Services Pvt Ltd presents this program as an industry-oriented pathway for engineers preparing for satellite-enabled 5G-Advanced and 6G networks.
The supplied course document identifies the program as instructor-led, hands-on and focused on industry requirements, with an Apeksha Telecom industry certification and placement assistance support.
Apeksha Telecom's broader training ecosystem covers telecom technologies including 4G, 5G and 6G, along with areas such as protocol testing, RAN development, O-RAN and telecom engineering.
For someone moving into NTN, this broader telecom foundation can be useful because NTN does not exist independently from cellular technology. Engineers need to understand the underlying 5G architecture, radio protocols and network procedures.
Practical and industry-oriented learning
The program's hands-on component is a major part of its structure. Instead of focusing only on definitions, the course includes simulations and calculations involving satellite coverage, propagation delay, Doppler, timing advance, link budgets, mobility, QoS and beam planning.
This type of practical exposure can help learners connect mathematical and architectural concepts with actual engineering scenarios.
Bikas Kumar Singh
The broader Apeksha Telecom training ecosystem identifies Bikas Kumar Singh as a telecom trainer with industry experience across 4G, 5G and 6G technologies.
For advanced topics such as NTN, instructor experience can be valuable because students often need help connecting standards, architecture, protocols and practical troubleshooting.
The key value of a trainer should therefore be evaluated through curriculum depth, practical exposure, teaching methodology, industry experience and the technical projects included in the program.
Career and job support
The course document explicitly lists Placement Assistance Support among the program highlights.
Students should distinguish placement assistance from guaranteed employment. Actual hiring depends on candidate skills, interviews, employer requirements, location and market conditions.
For global telecom careers, the technical areas covered in this program can be relevant to organizations working in satellite communications, mobile networks, RAN, RF planning, IoT, network optimization and telecom standards.
Program Highlights
The course document highlights several features:
Industry-oriented curriculum
3GPP Release 17–19 standards
Hands-on labs and simulations
Instructor-led live sessions
Industry certification
Placement assistance support
Designed for telecom industry requirements in 2026
The program also provides multiple duration options:
Essential Program: 80 Hours
Professional Program: 80 Hours
Corporate Deep Dive Program: 10 Days Intensive / 80 Hours
Learning Outcomes
By completing the program, participants are expected to develop an understanding of NTN architecture and deployment models.
The course document states that learners should be able to explain 3GPP Release 17–19 NTN standards, analyze PHY and MAC adaptations, understand NTN mobility and handovers, perform timing and synchronization calculations, evaluate satellite deployment strategies and understand direct-to-cell and satellite broadband technologies.
Another important outcome is career preparation. The program specifically positions these skills toward careers in satellite-enabled 5G-Advanced and 6G networks.
That makes the curriculum relevant not only to students but also to experienced telecom professionals who want to expand into the satellite and future-network domain.
FAQs
What is an NTN Certification Program?
An NTN certification program teaches engineers how non-terrestrial networks integrate satellite communication with modern cellular technologies. The supplied Apeksha Telecom program covers 3GPP NTN, satellite fundamentals, architecture, PHY, MAC, mobility, QoS, planning, IoT and future 6G concepts.
What are the prerequisites for this NTN course?
The course specifies 5G NR Fundamentals and 5G Air Interface Basics as mandatory prerequisites. Recommended knowledge includes 5G SA call flows, RRC procedures, LTE fundamentals and basic satellite communication.
How long is the NTN training program?
The program is structured for 80 hours. The document also lists an intensive 10-day Corporate Deep Dive option totaling 80 hours.
What tools are used in the training?
The course document identifies MATLAB, Python, link-budget tools and satellite simulators as hands-on tools.
Does the course cover 3GPP NTN standards?
Yes. The curriculum covers the NTN standardization journey, Release 17, Release 18, Release 19 and a preview of Release 20 and 6G NTN.
Does the course include practical labs?
Yes. The program includes eight hands-on labs covering orbit and coverage simulation, propagation delay, Doppler, Timing Advance, link budgets, mobility, QoS and beam coverage planning.
Who can join NTN training?
Telecom engineers, protocol engineers, RF engineers, RAN engineers, satellite communication engineers, network planners, system engineers, researchers, PhD scholars and B.Tech/M.Tech students are among the audiences identified in the course document.
What jobs can NTN engineers pursue?
The listed career opportunities include NTN Protocol Engineer, Satellite Communication Engineer, 5G-Advanced RAN Engineer, 6G Research Engineer, System Architect, RF Planning Engineer, Network Optimization Engineer, Telecom Standards Engineer and Satellite IoT Engineer.
What is MEC in 5G?
MEC, or Multi-access Edge Computing, places computing resources closer to users and network access points. It can support low-latency applications and local processing in 5G environments.
What is NEF in 5G Core?
NEF, or Network Exposure Function, provides controlled exposure of selected 5G Core capabilities to authorized applications through APIs. It is a supporting 5G architecture concept rather than a dedicated module listed in the supplied NTN curriculum.
Is NTN important for 6G?
NTN is one of the areas being explored for future integrated communication systems. The course's 6G module specifically covers SAGIN, AI-native satellite networks, HAPS, CubeSat networks, integrated sensing and communication and Digital Twin Networks.
Conclusion
The future of connectivity is moving toward a combination of terrestrial networks, satellites, aerial platforms, edge computing, AI and advanced network architectures.
The 5G/6G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) Certification Program provides a structured path through this technology, beginning with satellite fundamentals and 3GPP standardization and progressing through NTN architecture, spectrum, PHY, MAC, signaling, synchronization, mobility, QoS, planning, IoT, 5G-Advanced and 6G concepts.
The Apeksha Telecom course is structured around 80 hours of instructor-led and hands-on learning, with MATLAB, Python, link-budget tools and satellite simulators, and includes eight practical labs.
For telecom engineers, this is also a broader career-development opportunity. NTN knowledge can complement skills in 5G NR, RAN, protocol testing, RF, 5G Core, IoT, network planning, optimization and future 6G technologies.
If you are planning a career in satellite communications, 5G-Advanced, 6G, NTN, RAN or telecom systems engineering, explore the Apeksha Telecom training pathway, review the curriculum and practical components, and select the program that matches your technical background and career objectives.
The satellite era of telecom is not simply about putting communication equipment into orbit.
It is about building networks where space, air and ground work together.
Internal Link Suggestions – Telecom Gurukul
Use these links naturally within relevant sections:
“5G Protocol Testing” → Telecom Gurukul
“5G NR Training” → Telecom Gurukul
“O-RAN Training” → Telecom Gurukul
“5G Core Training” → Telecom Gurukul
“6G Telecom Training” → Telecom Gurukul
“Telecom Career Training” → Telecom Gurukul
“4G/5G Protocol Testing & Log Analysis” → Telecom Gurukul
External Authority Links
3GPP: Official 3GPP Website
GSMA NTN: GSMA Non-Terrestrial Networks
Ericsson: Ericsson NTN Technology
Nokia: Nokia 5G-Advanced




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