Mavenir and Terrestar achieve industry's first satellite-based Voice over NB-IoT voice connection in NTN mode

Groundbreaking solution is ready for use via software upgrade on existing GEO satellites using available S-band spectrum and enables operators to monetize NTN services immediately

RICHARDSON, Texas, Feb. 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mavenir, the cloud-native network infrastructure provider shaping the future of networks, and Terrestar Solutions Inc., Canada's leading mobile satellite operator, have achieved a groundbreaking milestone with the industry's first Voice over NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) voice connection in

NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) mode. This achievement was achieved using 3GPP-standardized NTN S-band spectrum, avoiding the interference common in terrestrial networks. The network is also designed for GEO satellites, ensuring consistent coverage despite higher latency. This approach enables GEO operators to immediately monetize NTN services.

This industry-first voice connection was achieved in January 2025 using the standard codec, Sony's Altair ALT1250 module, Mavenir Open RAN (Open vRAN and Open Beam Radio) and Mavenir Converged Packet Core, and in collaboration with Terrestar.

The successful VoNB (Voice over NB-IoT) call highlights Mavenir and Terrestar's leadership in providing innovative solutions that bridge the connectivity gap in challenging and remote environments. The collaboration enables the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks by leveraging NTN technology based on 3GPP standards to seamlessly connect underserved regions, support IoT use cases and expand the scope of reliable communications options.

Jacques Leduc, President of Terrestar Solutions, said: "As the first mobile satellite service (MSS) provider to provide a real-time voice service based on a fully 3GPP-compliant non-terrestrial network, Terrestar Solutions represents innovation and leadership. With our dedicated S-band spectrum and an open network architecture, we are leveraging the capabilities of the 3GPP ecosystem to achieve a decisive breakthrough. Our goal is to drive the development of the ecosystem and offer all users, via their mobile operator, satellite-based mobile connectivity that ensures security, autonomy and independence ." 

Sachin Karkala, SVP & GM, RAN Business Unit at Mavenir, said, “Satellite services are the perfect complement to existing terrestrial networks as they provide an additional layer of coverage. This is especially important in underserved and remote regions. This development will enable satellite operators to immediately start providing voice services across the country using available spectrum, existing GEO satellites and industry standard terminals with a simple software upgrade.”

This achievement paves the way for wider use of NTN-based NB-IoT solutions and greater integration of voice services into IoT ecosystems as standards evolve, and confirms Mavenir's role as a pioneer in delivering technologies that support industries and communities worldwide.