Comms specialist Inmarsat and chip maker MediaTek have upped the ante in their joint mission to connect the world’s phones, IoTs and all things 5G to satellite services so they can network over the air, land and sea. In this latest initiative the comms collaborators have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) over joint inventions and the commercial use of satellite-enabled devices. This follows on from three years of joint ventures where they have conducted a succession of fruitful live, in-orbit trials of two-way communications. These have proved how effective their combined technologies and space assets are in real-life applications, they claimed.
According to MediaTek the pair have expedited the convergence of cellular and satellite networks for the 5G era, along the guidelines of 3GPP standards, inventing new options by fine tuning the data connections needed for vertical markets such as the internet of Things (IoT). The latest progress report from the duo claims that Inmarsat’s L-band satellite network and MediaTek’s chipsets are on trial with major network operators and device manufacturers for direct-to-device, two-way satellite connectivity.
Ultimately they want to set up mobile operators, smartphone makers and the broader IoT ecosystem to offer satellite services, including two-way text messaging, emergency communications, device tracking and monitoring, without the need for pointing on most devices.
Jat Brainch, pictured above, the chief commercial and digital officer at Inmarsat said MediaTek is helping to set up simple, pain-free two-way communications between satellites and devices, whether they are to smart phones or smart homes. “Our network holds real potential to support a revolution in direct-to-device, IoT and car connectivity and we are delighted to be partnering with MediaTek, a recognised world-leading innovator in 5G NTN technology,” said Brainch, “jointly we can bring 5G satellite services to consumer and professional users across the world.”
MediaTek is the standard bearer for 3GPP NTN standards, according to JC Hsu, corporate vice president of MediaTek. “The unique qualities of Inmarsat’s narrowband satellite network and the spectrum capacity will support a multitude of new devices and services,” said Hsu.
Source: https://www.mobileeurope.co.uk/inmarsat-and-mediatek-expedite-the-5g-phones-route-to-satellite/