Canada-based Advantech Satellite Networks has entered into a technology partnership with O3b Networks, a satellite operator headquartered in Channel Islands, to build features into its SatNet DVB-S2/ACM platform to interoperate with O3b’s medium earth orbit satellite constellation, enabling partners to access O3b’s satellite network.
Given the mobile dynamics of the medium earth orbit constellation, the O3b Networks system will enable service providers to connect directly to 3G, 4G and WiMAX cell towers, virtually eliminating the need for major capital expenditure on backhaul and international backbone trunking, said O3b.
The integration effort will leverage Advantech Satellite Networks’s technologies that support mobility for applications across the maritime, military or defense sectors. The software upgrade will feature an automatic satellite beam switching feature that is expected to allow the SatNet remote to maintain connectivity from one satellite to the next as they circle the earth five times daily.
Greg Wyler, founder and CEO of O3b Networks, said: We are pleased to have a partnership with a proven satellite communications leader like Advantech Satellite Networks. We value the expertise they can bring to our venture, especially since they’ve established an important platform relied upon by the world’s largest satellite and cellular operators.
