Omnispace has said it’s uniting mobile roaming with satellite delivery to create a global 5G network. Now, it’s collaborating with satellite firm Ligado. They plan to dedicate “significant” portions of their L- and S-band spectrum to speed commercialization of connectivity for mobile satellite applications, including consumer cell phone use.
Their agreement sets the stage for the development of “multi-band, multi-orbit satellite offerings to enable mobile connectivity for more than five billion mobile subscribers in areas where terrestrial cellular coverage does not exist today,” say the companies.
Their collaboration would use portions of Ligado’s 40 MHz of L-band satellite spectrum in the U.S. and Canada and Omnispace’s 60 MHz of S-band satellite spectrum (3GPP 5G bands n255 and n256). The combination would bring together what they claim is the largest block of satellite spectrum dedicated to meeting a global market need for text, voice and data capability.
Through the collaboration, Omnispace and Ligado anticipate optimizing multi-orbit geostationary and non-geostationary networks to provide seamless, global coverage for consumer smartphone, automotive and Internet of Things connectivity.
“In many ways, this spectrum combination is the last missing piece to unlocking the full promise and potential of direct-to-device connectivity and creates the necessary foundation for an exceptional voice, text and data experience,” said Omnispace President/CEO Ram Viswanathan. “Together with Ligado, we will bring the spectrum and technology to deliver a game-changing solution directly from space to a variety of devices that could benefit billions of mobile subscribers worldwide.”
“We are pleased to partner with Omnispace in this initiative that has the potential to accelerate enhanced 5G non-terrestrial networks globally with coverage and bandwidth to support superior direct-to-device satellite connectivity,” said Ligado Networks President/CEO Doug Smith. “This is an important step forward for Ligado’s satellite business.”
Reader Interactions