TYSONS, Va., USA and JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, March 12, 2024 – Omnispace, the company redefining mobile connectivity for the 21st century, today announced a collaboration with MTN, the largest mobile network operator in Africa. MTN provides voice, data, fintech, digital, enterprise, wholesale and API services to over 290 million customers in 19 countries. This partnership will explore the use of S-band for satellite services to expand MTN’s portfolio of wireless service in their markets.
This initiative underscores Omnispace and MTN’s joint commitment to developing cost-effective global connectivity solutions beyond existing cellular, land-based networks. The companies will explore the integration of MTN’s terrestrial mobile networks with the Omnispace non-terrestrial (NTN) network, leveraging 3GPP standards, to serve consumer mobile and enterprise IoT services. Furthermore, the companies will also explore how they may collaborate on the development and growth of an ecosystem of devices and software.
“This collaborative effort would offer access to secure, cost-effective, ubiquitous 5G mobile connectivity by seamlessly integrating our respective satellite and terrestrial networks,” said Ram Viswanathan, CEO of Omnispace. “Omnispace is pleased to work together with MTN to deliver this first-of-its-kind, 3GPP standards-based solution to add non-terrestrial network connectivity to a large ecosystem of compatible devices, products and applications.”
“Through this collaboration, we aim to methodically extend the reach of our services, understanding the profound role connectivity plays in shaping societies and supporting growth. Our partnership with Omnispace is a strategic step towards ensuring consistent, reliable access to our network, contributing to the foundational infrastructure that supports a digitally inclusive future, enabling the benefits of a modern connected life for all,” said Mazen Mroué, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer.
Under the agreement, Omnispace will develop a next-generation standards-based mobile and IoT network designed to serve MTN markets. In the interim, the companies will partner to test existing technology, prove capabilities, and use cases using Omnispace’s on-orbit satellites.
About Omnispace, LLC
Headquartered in the Washington D.C. area, and founded by veteran telecommunications and satellite industry executives, Omnispace is redefining mobile connectivity for the 21st century. By leveraging 5G technologies, the company is combining the global footprint of a non-geostationary satellite constellation with the mobile networks of the world’s leading telecom companies to bring an interoperable “one network” connectivity to users and IoT devices anywhere on the globe.
About the MTN Group
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code ‘MTN’. Our strategy is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
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MTNGroup.PressOffice@mtn.com
Rideshare Provider to Deploy Spacecraft on SpaceX Launches in Early 2022
TYSONS, VA. – November 10, 2020 – Omnispace, the company that is reinventing mobile communications by building a global hybrid network, today signed a launch agreement with Exolaunch, the rideshare launch and deployment services provider for the New Space industry. Exolaunch will deliver two Thales Alenia Space-built satellites into orbit aboard SpaceX’s rideshare missions.
Exolaunch will provide launch, mission management, integration and deployment services for the two Omnispace satellites, targeted for launch in 2022.
Omnispace is combining the global footprint of a non-geostationary orbit satellite constellation with the world’s leading mobile wireless networks into a seamless ‘one global network.’ The network will support 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and 5G telecommunications standards with the satellite component operating in the S-band. The company aims to set new standards for global connectivity solutions for the internet of things (IoT), mobile satellite and mobile broadband markets.
“Omnispace is rethinking how communications networks operate. The launch of these satellites will enable the first phase of implementation towards delivering our world-class hybrid network, bringing the power of 5G from space to mobile networks, anywhere around the world,” said Ram Viswanathan, CEO, Omnispace LLC. “Exolaunch was chosen to launch these first next-generation satellites for its proven experience deploying systems into orbit and the flexibility they afford us in executing our program.”
“We are proud to be part of the team that will for the first time bring the power and reach of satellite to the mobile wireless industry,” said Jeanne Medvedeva, vice president, Launch Services, Exolaunch. “We support Omnispace in its commitment to deliver highly reliable mobile 5G connectivity solutions everywhere around the globe.”
The Omnispace network will be deployed in phases beginning in 2022. The global hybrid network will offer enterprise and government users a reliable, scalable and affordable 5G connectivity solutions worldwide.
About Omnispace
Headquartered in the Washington D.C. area, and founded by veteran telecommunications and satellite industry executives, Omnispace is redefining mobile connectivity for the 21st century. By leveraging 5G technologies, the company is combining the global footprint of a non-geostationary satellite constellation with the mobile networks of the world’s leading telecom companies to bring an interoperable “one network” connectivity to users and IoT devices anywhere on the globe.
Learn more at: Omnispace.com and follow on LinkedIn or Twitter @omnispace.
About Exolaunch
Exolaunch provides rideshare launch and deployment services for New Space companies. Its flight heritage includes the successful deployment of 110 small satellites into orbit through its global network of launch vehicle providers. Exolaunch enables the visions of the New Space leaders, the world’s innovative startups, research institutions, government organizations, and space agencies. The company also manufactures in-house flight-proven separation systems to deliver the best-in-class integration services and deployment for small satellites. For more information, visit: www.exolaunch.com
Press Contact:
Marie Knowles
+1-202-422-2589
mknowles@omnispace.com