MediaTek and Inmarsat’s MoU covers joint innovation and satellite-enabled device deployment

MediaTek and Inmarsat’s MoU covers joint innovation and satellite-enabled device deployment

(IN BRIEF) Inmarsat and MediaTek have partnered to provide ultra-reliable, two-way satellite services to various industries, including smartphones, IoT devices, and automotive, using MediaTek’s 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) technology and Inmarsat’s ELERA L-band satellite network. The collaboration will enable mobile operators and device manufacturers to offer satellite services without the need for pointing on most devices. The companies have conducted successful live, in-orbit trials of two-way communications over the past three years, with MediaTek chipsets and Inmarsat’s L-band network currently being trialled by major network operators and device manufacturers. The partnership covers joint technology innovation and the commercial deployment of satellite-enabled devices.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 12-Apr-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — Inmarsat (LSE: ISAT), the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, and MediaTek have deepened their collaboration to bring ultra-reliable, two-way satellite services to a variety of industries, including smartphones, IoT devices, automotive and more. This partnership leverages MediaTek’s 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) technology and Inmarsat’s existing ELERA L-band satellite network, allowing smartphone manufacturers, mobile network operators, and the wider IoT ecosystem to quickly bring satellite-enabled devices and services to market.

Our joint efforts aim to enable mobile operators and device manufacturers to offer a range of satellite services without the need for pointing on most devices. These services include two-way text messaging, emergency communications, device tracking, and monitoring, among other capabilities.

Through the use of proven 5G NTN standards and existing chip sets, the MediaTek/Inmarsat collaboration provides a highly practical approach for the industry, allowing for the swift introduction of new NTN services. Our joint work over the past three years has included successful live, in-orbit trials of two-way communications, demonstrating the effectiveness of combining our technologies and space assets in real-life applications.

As a result of our collaboration, MediaTek chipsets and Inmarsat’s L-band network are currently being trialled by major network operators and device manufacturers for direct-to-device, two-way satellite connectivity. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the two companies extends our existing relationship and covers joint technology innovation and the commercial deployment of satellite-enabled devices.

Jat Brainch, Chief Commercial and Digital Officer, Inmarsat said “With MediaTek, we can offer smartphone companies and others a fast and consumer friendly path to satellite to device capability that allows two-way communications and does not require complex “aiming” of the device.

“Our network holds real potential to support a revolution in direct-to-device, IoT and car connectivity and we are delighted to be partnering with MediaTek, a recognised world-leading innovator in 5G NTN technology. The combination of our joint capabilities can bring rapid access to 5G satellite services for consumer and professional users, and the wider 5G ecosystem across the world.”

JC Hsu, Corporate Vice President of MediaTek, said “MediaTek’s growing partnership with Inmarsat opens up new possibilities for the convergence of cellular and satellite networks. MediaTek is a leading solution provider and contributor to 3GPP NTN standards, and our ongoing work with Inmarsat GEO satellites will help drive 5G innovation across multiple markets, including smartphones. The unique qualities of Inmarsat’s narrowband satellite network and the spectrum capacity they have available will be able to support a multitude of new devices and services.”