Mavenir and cellular satellite tv for pc operator Terrestar have accomplished the primary Voice over NB-IoT (Narrowband Web of Issues) name in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) mode.
The breakthrough — achieved in January 2025 — used a 3GPP-standardised NTN S-band spectrum, which strategically avoids interference prevalent in terrestrial networks.
Moreover, the system was designed to accommodate delays attribute of geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, guaranteeing seamless and dependable connectivity regardless of the upper latency. This method might allow GEO satellite tv for pc operators to instantly monetise NTN providers with out extreme infrastructure upgrades.
The VoNB name was performed utilizing Sony’s Altair ALT1250 IoT module, Mavenir’s Open RAN (together with Open vRAN and Open Beam radio), and Mavenir’s Converged Packet Core platform. Terrestar supplied the S-band spectrum and operational experience.
The profitable demonstration serves as a proof of idea, showcasing how the combination of satellite tv for pc and terrestrial applied sciences can ship constant communication providers in underserved areas.
Reworking connectivity in difficult places
The collaboration highlights a shared imaginative and prescient to bridge the connectivity hole in distant and difficult environments.
By leveraging 3GPP requirements for NTNs, Mavenir and Terrestar purpose to allow IoT options and dependable voice communications in areas past the attain of conventional mobile infrastructure.
Jacques Leduc, President of Terrestar Options, commented: “Terrestar Options embodies innovation and management as the primary MSS participant to supply a real-time voice service primarily based on a totally compliant 3GPP non-terrestrial community.
“With our devoted S-band spectrum and an open community structure, we leverage the energy of the 3GPP ecosystem to drive a breakthrough that units us aside.
”Our mission: to speed up the ecosystem growth and supply all, via their cellular service supplier, with satellite tv for pc cellular connectivity that ensures safety, autonomy, and independence.”
Integrating satellite tv for pc protection with terrestrial capabilities will increase attain to geographically-isolated areas, the place laying conventional infrastructure is both impractical or cost-prohibitive. Simplifying implementation additional, the partnership’s answer works seamlessly with extensively out there person units, requiring solely minimal changes similar to software program upgrades.
Sachin Karkala, SVP and GM of the RAN Enterprise Unit at Mavenir, defined: “Satellite tv for pc providers present the right addition to present terrestrial networks, including a layer of widespread protection, and nowhere is that this extra essential than underserved and distant areas.
“This growth permits satellite tv for pc operators to launch voice providers instantly utilizing out there spectrum, present GEO satellites and industry-standard person tools with a easy software program improve to ship voice providers country-wide.”
This collaboration exemplifies how partnerships between {industry} gamers can unlock beforehand untapped potential. The give attention to interoperability and adherence to 3GPP requirements ensures that builders, operators, and companies can undertake these options with confidence and ease.
Advancing NB-IoT options prefer it’s NTN
The profitable achievement lays the muse for broader deployment of NB-IoT options in NTN mode—important for supporting IoT units and providers in various sectors, together with agriculture, logistics, vitality, and catastrophe restoration. Because the expertise progresses, the inclusion of voice capabilities alongside data-driven IoT providers broadens the scope of use instances for operators and organisations.
Past business implications, the partnership is prone to have profound societal impacts. By increasing connectivity to underserved and distant areas, it supplies native communities with entry to important communication providers — together with voice calls — which stay crucial in emergency conditions.
The profitable VoNB name builds on Mavenir’s capabilities in unifying networks and advancing world requirements. Its Open vRAN expertise, specifically, performs a job by enabling operators to scale back prices, enhance flexibility, and scale extra effectively.
Mixed with Terrestar’s expertise in leveraging mobile-satellite spectrum, the collaboration serves as a mannequin for harnessing innovation to resolve real-world challenges.
As NTN applied sciences achieve better consideration and adoption, this NB-IoT achievement marks an essential step in turning the promise of ubiquitous connectivity right into a actuality.
See additionally: ETSI launches committee tackling IoT knowledge sharing challenges
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