Omnispace, LLC and Lockheed Martin have signed a strategic interest agreement to explore jointly developing 5G mobile broadband capability from space. The planned global 5G standards-based non-terrestrial network (NTN) will offer commercial, enterprise and government devices universal communications worldwide. Such network has the potential to redefine efficient mobile communications regardless of environment or location.
Omnispace expects this 5G NTN to leverage the company’s priority 2 GHz S-band spectrum rights and employ 3GPP standards to enable direct-to-device connectivity and interoperability. In collaboration with Lockheed Martin, this hybrid 5G network would provide the coverage and capacity to support essential applications requiring seamless, reliable, global communications.
Commenting on the partnership, Ram Viswanathan, president and CEO for Omnispace, said, “Omnispace is fully committed to the vision of creating a new global communications platform that powers 5G connectivity directly to mobile devices from space. We welcome Lockheed Martin’s holistic approach to complex systems and deep expertise in satellite technology and government markets, along with their commitment to creating innovative communication solutions.”
Meanwhile, Rick Ambrose, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Space, added, “We share a common vision with Omnispace of a space-based 5G global network that would enable users to seamlessly transition between satellite and terrestrial networks — eliminating the need for multiple devices on multiple networks. Ultimately, it’s about empowering end users with low latency connections that work anywhere. This step forward has the potential to upend space-based mobility.”
Omnispace and Lockheed Martin are collaborating to deliver a potential global 5G from space solution that will redefine mobile communications for the 21st century. This would be the first truly dual-use 5G platform for commercial and government missions.
