ST Engineering iDirect at IBC2025: Harnessing DVB-NIP and 5G NTN to Bridge Africa’s Digital Divide

Extending Connectivity to the Last Mile

Africa’s connectivity challenge remains vast, but ST Engineering iDirect is approaching it on two fronts: media distribution and data connectivity. On the media side, Moussawi highlighted the company’s long-standing role in shaping broadcast standards, pointing in particular to its involvement in the development of DVB-NIP (Native IP). 

This standard is designed to support the shift from traditional broadcasting to streaming on smart devices, allowing content to be delivered more efficiently via multicast rather than multiple point-to-point connections. “We are very proud to be one of the first companies partnering with other vendors to provide this technology,” Moussawi explained, noting its scalability for African markets.

On the connectivity side, ST Engineering is investing heavily in 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN), focusing on how satellites can be fully integrated into 5G cores. Demonstrations at IBC showcased how satellite systems can communicate seamlessly with 5G infrastructure, creating what Moussawi described as a “better marriage of satellite and the telco world.”

The Role of 5G and Satellite in Closing the Digital Divide

Moussawi argued that the combination of 5G and satellite is critical for expanding network reach cost-effectively. Satellite’s global coverage makes it ideal for regions where terrestrial 5G deployment is too costly. He outlined a phased approach: beginning with satellite systems that behave like 5G devices, moving toward full NTN adoption, and eventually enabling hybrid models where traditional satellite integrates with 5G cores. This layered strategy ensures that African operators can gradually adopt 5G without reinvesting heavily in infrastructure.

Roaming and Network Collaboration

Another significant theme was inter-satellite roaming. By enabling users to move between countries without losing service, ST Engineering hopes to foster greater collaboration between satellite providers. This avoids duplication of infrastructure, reduces costs, and ultimately lowers the price of equipment for end users. “That is, again, a way that we are able to help bring down the costs, which eventually will bring down the cost of the satellite equipment that you need to deploy,” Moussawi noted.

DVB-NIP and Content Delivery for Emerging Markets

Moussawi stressed that mobile devices are now the primary mode of content consumption, making standards like DVB-NIP critical for broadcasters seeking to transition from traditional TV models. He cited Peru as an example, where the government used DVB-NIP to deliver essential information during the pandemic to remote, underserved communities. For him, this model is replicable in Africa, where mobile-first consumption is already the norm. 

“Previously, without DVB-NIP, it was always a challenge for us to address that in a scalable way. Unless you are within the telco environment, it is very difficult to serve broadcasters efficiently. With the development of DVB-NIP, we now have a mechanism that allows traditional broadcasters to gradually transition their services, portfolios, and video catalogs into something much easier for audiences to consume.”

– Rami Moussawi, Senior Product Manager, ST Engineering iDirect 

Opportunities for Telcos and MNOs

For telcos, DVB-NIP offers a way to offload high-traffic video content from their networks. Live events and mass streaming often strain networks, leading to congestion and poor user experiences. By leveraging satellite multicast, telcos can deliver a single high-quality feed to millions of users simultaneously. This relieves pressure on terrestrial networks while ensuring reliability during peak demand events. “You do not want to be the last person hearing that a goal was scored,” Moussawi remarked, pointing to the importance of reliability for live sports.

Looking Ahead: 5G NTN and Intuition Platform

ST Engineering sees 5G NTN as a “game changer,” not just for satellite operators but for the broader telecommunications ecosystem. Moussawi revealed the upcoming launch of the company’s Intuition platform, which will initially demonstrate 5G non-3GPP core integration and roaming capabilities. This, he explained, is only the first phase in a series of features designed to expand connectivity, media delivery, and collaboration across regions.