Mavenir, the network software provider building the future of networks, is partnering with Ligado Networks, North America’s leading mobile satellite service (MSS) provider. We announced that we successfully made a mobile data call. The connectivity consists of 3GPP Rel.17 narrowband IoT non-terrestrial network (NTN) data connectivity deployed on the powerful Ligado SkyTerra satellite network.
Using a cloud-native NB-IoT radio access network (RAN) solution, Mavenir’s NTN service platform integrates with Ligado’s terrestrial beam former (GBBF) via digital interface and via satellite link. provided highly adaptable, highly directional connectivity to specific user equipment (UE) on the ground. The team successfully demonstrated a UE connected to a satellite beam on a narrow 200kHz carrier within the 3GPP standardized band N255, the L-band spectrum already designated and fully licensed for MSS operations.
With the adoption of 3GPP-compliant NTN technology, satellite networks can now support mainstream devices using low-cost chipsets that can also operate in terrestrial IoT networks. This demonstration will seamlessly integrate satellite technology into future mobile networks, extending coverage to remote and geographically challenging areas, and supporting a variety of applications including vehicle diagnostics, environmental monitoring, first responder connectivity, smart metering, and more. Pioneering the way to support innovative IoT applications.
said Sachin Chhibber , Chief Technology Officer, Ligado Networks . “ The Ligado satellite network leverages a bent pipe architecture to enable NTN services to be rapidly developed and deployed as they become available, evolving services in line with standards. This milestone with Mavenir This demonstrates our ability to quickly support NTN technology that bridges the gap between terrestrial and satellite communications.”
BG Kumar, President of Access Networks, Platforms and Digital Activation at Mavenir, said: “This is a great achievement for Mavenir in the NTN space, thanks to our world-class engineering team. The next generation NTN network will deliver advanced communications services to remote and rural areas in ways never before possible, fostering economic and social development. “We are proud to play our part in delivering such a connected future.”
SOURCE : BusinessWire