Space communications company Omnispace has announced a partnership with MTN, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, to integrate the service provider’s terrestrial mobile network with Omnispace’s Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), which is based on 3GPP mobile industry standards, to deliver consumer mobile and enterprise Internet of Things (IoT) services.
Founded in 1994, MTN provides voice, data, fintech, digital, enterprise, wholesale and application programming interface services to more than 290 million customers in 19 countries. Its strategy is rooted in building the largest and most valuable platform business with a clear focus on Africa, according to the company. This is based on a large connectivity and infrastructure business covering mobile and fixed access networks for consumer, enterprise and wholesale segments, according to the company.
Headquartered in the Washington, DC area, Omnispace combines its global footprint of non-geostationary satellite constellations with the world’s leading communications companies to deliver interoperable, secure, and secure 5G technology. “It provides “one network” connectivity for users and IoT devices everywhere.
The company kicks off its journey to provide robust space-based services with the launch and delivery of the Omnispace Spark 2 satellite in May 2022. The new generation NGSO satellite constellation in low earth orbit (LEO) will operate in 3GPP band n256 standardized for NTN operations, enabling Internet of Things for businesses, government agencies and direct connectivity to consumer devices worldwide.
During the announcement, Omnispace emphasized that 5G mobile connectivity from a single global network will help transform industries and serve as the communications infrastructure supporting the 21st century digital economy.
Through this partnership, MTN and Omnispace will explore using S-band spectrum for satellite services and expanding MTN’s portfolio of wireless services in their respective markets, as well as how they can collaborate in developing and growing their device and software ecosystem.
As part of the agreement, Omnispace will develop next-generation, standards-based mobile and IoT networks designed for the MTN market, while the two companies will partner to test existing technologies and demonstrate capabilities using Omnispace’s in-orbit satellites.
Ram Viswanathan, CEO of Omnispace, said: “This collaboration will enable access to secure, cost-effective and ubiquitous 5G mobile connectivity through the seamless integration of our two companies’ satellite and terrestrial networks. Omnispace is pleased to work with MTN to deliver this first-of-its-kind 3GPP standards-based solution that adds non-terrestrial network connectivity to a large ecosystem of compatible devices, products and applications.”
Mazen Mulue, MTN’s chief technology and information officer, added: “Through this collaboration, we aim to systematically expand the reach of our services, understanding the vital role that connectivity plays in shaping societies and helping them grow.”
“Our partnership with Omnispace is a strategic step to ensure consistent and reliable access to our network, contributing to the underlying infrastructure that supports a digitally inclusive future and bringing the benefits of modern connected lives to everyone.”