Partnering with Sony Semiconductor Israel, Ligado Networks have developed advanced connectivity services across North America.
The partnership enables provision of standalone satellite and terrestrial connections, by developing chipsets, by Sony. To adapt 5G IoT technology, Sony would manufacture IoT chipsets that are compatible with Ligado’s L-band MSS spectrum, which 3GPP has standardized as Band 255 for Non-Terrestrial Networks.
Sachin Chhibber, Ligado Chief Technology Officer, said, “We are excited to work with Sony to advance new capabilities and serve the growing market for 5G mobile satellite connectivity anywhere in the U.S. and across North America.”
Dima Feldman, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at Sony Semiconductor Israel, added, “We are excited to support Ligado’s 5G mobile satellite network. The addition of satellite connectivity to our market-leading 5G IoT chipsets improves utility for critical communications customers and expands our market reach.”
The companies have indicated that initial technology trials would be taking place by the end of the year and the complete work would be completed in several phases.
The 22-meter reflector-based antenna of Ligado’s SkyTerra 1 satellite, supports real-time communication like wide-area vehicle diagnostics, environmental monitoring, smart metering, and critical messaging anywhere in North America. On the other hand, Sony Semiconductor Israel’s cellular IoT chipsets are commercially deployed on the world’s most advanced LTE networks.
