Texas-based cloud-native network infrastructure provider Mavenir and Canadian mobile satellite operator Terrestar have achieved an industry-first satellite voice over NB-IoT call in NTN mode.

The achievement was conducted over a 3GPP-standard NTN (non-terrestrial network) S-band spectrum, avoiding interference common in terrestrial networks. Designed to work with GEO satellite delays as well, the network ensures consistent coverage despite higher latency. This approach enables GEO operators to monetise NTN services immediately.

The call was made earlier in the year using standard codec, Sony’s Altair ALT1250 module, Mavenir Open vRAN and Open Beam radio, and converged packet core technology.

By leveraging 3GPP standards-based NTN technology, the collaboration is driving the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks to bring seamless connectivity to underserved regions, supporting IoT use cases and extending the scope of reliable communication.

“Terrestar embodies innovation and leadership as the first MSS player to offer a real-time voice service based on a fully compliant 3GPP non-terrestrial network,” said Jacques Leduc, president of Terrestar. “With our dedicated S-band spectrum and an open network architecture, we leverage the strength of the 3GPP ecosystem to drive a breakthrough that sets us apart. Our mission: to accelerate the ecosystem development and provide all, through their mobile service provider, with satellite mobile connectivity that ensures security, autonomy and independence.”

Sachin Karkala, senior vice president at Mavenir, added: “Satellite services provide the perfect addition to existing terrestrial networks, adding a layer of widespread coverage, and nowhere is this more important than underserved and remote regions. This development allows satellite operators to launch voice services immediately using available spectrum, existing GEO satellites and industry-standard user equipment with a simple software upgrade to deliver voice services country-wide.”

This achievement paves the way for broader adoption of NTN-based NB-IoT and further integration of voice services into IoT ecosystems as the standards progress.

Terrestar (www.terrestarsolutions.ca) is the only Canadian mobile satellite operator engaged in the race to bring direct-to-device satellite services to smartphones and IoT devices and make anywhere-in-Canada communication a reality. Thanks to the Echostar T1 satellite, its ground network infrastructure and 40MHz of S-band mobile-satellite spectrum, Terrestar connects Canadians from almost anywhere in the country, even in the most remote regions, through its Strigo MSS mobile-satellite service.

Mavenir (www.mavenir.com) is building cloud-native, AI-enabled technology to help operators realise the benefits of 5G and achieve intelligent, automated, programmable networks.