Washington D.C.-based global hybrid network operator Omnispace successfully demonstrated the ability to use satellites to provide 5G services to the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps., the company announced Monday. Omnispace conducted its military 5G-via-satellite
Omnispace CEO Ram Viswanathan (Photo: Omnispace)
Omnispace makes it very clear that it’s business case is not a satellite backhaul service for 5G. It is an actual 5G service delivered through a massive pipeline of 2 GHz spectrum beamed from a constellation of Low- and Medium-Earth Orbit (LEO/MEO) satellites. Omnispace, a new entrant satellite operator based in Washington D.C., is going to provide 5G directly to devices. This goes against the grain of what a majority of the satellite industry believes is its role in the 5G wireless supply chain – that it is a situational sidekick, limited by physics and high costs.
Omnispace boosts funding for 5G/IoT hybrid mobile network
Omnispace has raised $60m in new funding for the development of a global 5G/IoT hybrid mobile network, combining satellite and terrestrial coverage.
The funding round was led by new investor Fortress Investment Group, and includes further backing from the existing investors Columbia Capital, Greenspring Associates, TDF Ventures and Telcom Ventures.
“Omnispace represents the next evolution of mobile telecommunications. The company recognizes that industries now require truly global mobile connectivity without compromise. Omnispace will be the first to power global 5G from space to universal devices on a single, seamless network leveraging their 2 GHz spectrum platform,” said Joshua Pack, Managing Partner, Fortress Investment Group.
Telcom Ventures.
Ram Viswanathan, Omnispace’s president and CEO, said in a Tuesday announcement that his company would use the new funds to accelerate the process of validating 3GPP standards-based 5G products and technologies, demonstrating 5G connectivity from space, and securing both 2 GHz S-band mobile satellite service and the complementary ground component spectrum that will anchor its hybrid mobile system. Startups typically use equity financing to pay short-term bills as they work to meet long-term goals.
Unlike others who see satellite connectivity playing a back-up role in providing 5G wireless services, Omnispace believes that satellites can play a leading role by providing 5G and mobile Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity to mobile devices around the world using 2 GHz S-band spectrum and a hybrid network that includes its own group of small satellites. Omnispace hopes to both launch its satellites and roll out its network services in phases starting in 2022.
Omnispace raises $60M to bring 5G to space - Washington Business Journal bizjournals.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from bizjournals.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.