Mavenir Demonstrates Successful NB-IoT Data Call Over Ligado's SkyTerra Satellite Network

Mavenir Demonstrates Successful NB-IoT Data Call Over Ligado's SkyTerra Satellite Network
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 20, 2024

In a significant advancement for IoT connectivity, Mavenir, the forward-thinking network software provider, has announced the successful completion of a pioneering mobile data call in collaboration with Ligado Networks, a leader in Mobile Satellite Services in North America. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in the integration of Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology with satellite networks, specifically over the Ligado SkyTerra satellite network, heralding a new era of connectivity possibilities.

The demonstration utilized a cloud-native NB-IoT Radio Access Network (RAN) solution, seamlessly integrating Mavenir's NTN service platform with Ligado's Ground-Based Beam Former (GBBF) via a digital interface. This integration facilitated an adaptable, high-directivity connection to specific user equipment (UE) on the ground, leveraging the satellite link. The test successfully showcased a UE connecting to the satellite beam within a narrow 200kHz carrier, operating in the 3GPP-standardized band n255, known as the L-band spectrum, which is already fully licensed for MSS operations.

This technological leap, adhering to 3GPP Rel.17 standards, signifies a major step forward in enabling satellite networks to support devices equipped with mainstream, cost-effective chipsets that also operate on terrestrial IoT networks. The successful demonstration is a cornerstone for the seamless integration of satellite technology into future mobile networks, promising extended coverage to remote and challenging geographies. Such advancements are set to revolutionize a host of IoT applications, including vehicle diagnostics, environmental monitoring, first responder connectivity, and smart metering, by providing reliable, extended coverage where traditional networks fall short.

Sachin Chhibber, Chief Technology Officer at Ligado Networks, emphasized the flexibility and rapid development potential of the Ligado satellite network, which is designed to adapt swiftly to evolving NTN technologies. This adaptability is crucial for bridging the gap between terrestrial and satellite communications, ensuring the continuous evolution of services in line with industry standards.

BG Kumar, President of Access Networks, Platforms, and Digital Enablement at Mavenir, highlighted the achievement as a testament to Mavenir's world-class engineering prowess. He expressed Mavenir's commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that will empower satellite operators to fulfill their connectivity ambitions. Kumar envisioned next-generation NTN networks as a catalyst for connecting remote and rural areas, thereby fostering economic and social development and enabling a plethora of new applications that will drive industry innovation and growth.