Exploring the Future of Integrated Connectivity at AITNTN 2025

The 2nd Workshop on AI-Driven Integration of Terrestrial and Non-Terrestrial Networks (AITNTN 2025) took place on May 19, 2025, in London, UK, as part of the IEEE International Conference on Computer Communications (INFOCOM 2025). The workshop brought together researchers, industry leaders, and technical experts to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in enabling seamless integration between terrestrial networks (TN) and non-terrestrial networks (NTN).

The workshop, which received technical support from one6G, was co-chaired by:

• Muhammad Ali Jamshed, University of Glasgow, UK

• Aryan Kaushik, The Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

• Octavia A. Dobre, Memorial University, Canada

• Ying-Jun Angela Zhang, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

• Xingqin Lin, NVIDIA, USA

Background and Scope

With the release of 3GPP Release 17, 5G systems are expanding beyond terrestrial boundaries, incorporating satellite systems, high-altitude platforms, and UAVs. This shift unlocks new possibilities for connecting remote communities, supporting maritime and airborne operations, and enhancing communication for fast-moving platforms such as trains and aircraft. However, integrating TN and NTN technologies presents significant technical and regulatory challenges, including Doppler shifts, higher path losses, complex frequency coordination, and constrained device capabilities.

Against this backdrop, AITNTN 2025 highlighted AI as a key enabler for overcoming these challenges. By leveraging data-driven methods, AI can support the design and operation of highly dynamic, adaptive, and efficient TN-NTN systems. The workshop featured cutting-edge research on topics such as:

• AI-enabled beamforming techniques for energy-efficient networks

• Advanced multiple access schemes (e.g., RSMA, NOMA) for TN-NTN integration

• Backscatter communications and energy harvesting supported by AI

• Intelligent reflecting surface design for improved signal propagation

• Joint TN-NTN resource allocation using AI algorithms

• AI-powered network security, privacy, and interference management

• Generative AI for network design, optimization, and operation

The discussions underscored the importance of collaboration among satellite operators, terrestrial service providers, regulators, and standardization bodies to develop holistic solutions for next-generation connectivity. By fostering cross-domain dialogue and presenting high-quality original research, AITNTN 2025 played a pivotal role in advancing the state of the art in AI-driven integrated networks.

As the global communications landscape moves toward 6G, workshops like AITNTN 2025 demonstrate the critical need for intelligent, flexible, and inclusive infrastructure that bridges TN and NTN—ensuring no user or environment is left behind.