In a groundbreaking move, Mavenir is joining forces with Terrestar Solutions, a satellite operator based in Canada, to pioneer a project that seamlessly blends satellite connectivity with Open RAN terrestrial networks. This collaboration, revealed just before the Mobile World Congress (MWC), aims to offer users across the globe uninterrupted connectivity by merging satellite and terrestrial network capabilities.
As part of this innovative venture, Terrestar Solutions is set to introduce a Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) service, with plans to evolve into a comprehensive 5G Direct to Device (D2D) service by the year 2025. Mavenir will enhance this initiative by supplying the necessary Core and O-RAN interface technology that complies with 3GPP standards.
Jacques Leduc, the President and CEO of Terrestar Solutions, highlighted the project’s ambition to forge interoperable standards that effortlessly connect various satellite systems, ground infrastructure, and mobile technologies. He emphasized the significant impact this would have on enhancing connectivity for Canadians, benefiting both consumers and the broader industry.
Pardeep Kohli, Mavenir’s CEO, remarked on the flexibility and integration capabilities facilitated by Mavenir’s O-RAN technology, which adheres to ETSI O-RAN 3GPP R.17 standards. He pointed out the project with Terrestar as a testament to the potential of Open RAN deployments in delivering unparalleled connectivity solutions for both consumers and industries, moving beyond what traditional RAN software builds could offer.
In conjunction with this partnership, Mavenir is set to unveil a new Open vRAN solution at MWC. This solution, powered by 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors and featuring Intel vRAN Boost, promises a cloud-native, efficient, and high-performance network application suitable for the demanding requirements of mobile networks.
As the telecommunications sector continues to explore the integration of Open RAN and satellite technologies, the collaboration between Mavenir and Terrestar Solutions marks a significant step forward in the industry’s journey towards achieving global, seamless connectivity.
