RESTON, Va. October 29, 2018 – Ligado Networks today announced plans to begin developing 5G technology in the L-Band for mobile services in North America. Today’s announcement is an important milestone in a multi-year strategic plan to deploy a satellite and terrestrial mobile network that will utilize 40 MHz of mid-band spectrum to provide 5G solutions for critical industries and advance the next generation of American infrastructure.
Ecosystem partners Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) and Sequans (NYSE: SQNS) have been selected to work on the technical development efforts to develop this new 5G technology for the satellite component of the Ligado network. By utilizing existing LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies, the satellite adaptation of this 3GPP standards-based technology will support a new category of emerging devices and evolve as part of the 5G specifications. Implementing satellite connectivity on a mainstream terrestrial chipset allows Ligado to take advantage of the broad ecosystem that is developing around LTE-M and NB-IoT specifications. The companies aim to conduct several 5G demonstrations in the near future.
Creating a device ecosystem in L-Band for 5G also advances the path to enable network equipment from 5G suppliers that will utilize Ligado’s terrestrial spectrum and be 3GPP 5G NR compliant. Ligado Networks is awaiting FCC review of its terrestrial authorizations in L-Band and is working with equipment vendors to select 5G suppliers.
“We are proud to announce this exciting effort with key partners and believe it will accelerate the development of the L-Band ecosystem for 5G in North America,” said Doug Smith, Ligado Chief Executive Officer. “Making this further investment in the transition of mid-band spectrum for terrestrial use represents a big stride forward for the country’s efforts to deliver next-generation services and win the race to 5G.”
“Ericsson is committed to help provide global connectivity by leveraging innovative technology and supporting new business models,” said Kevin Zvokel, Head of Networks, Ericsson North America. “We are excited to work with Ligado Networks on this 5G opportunity.”
About Ligado Networks
Making connections is Ligado’s core mission. Our vision is to modernize American infrastructure by connecting the Industrial Internet of Things. With our current state-of-the-art satellite technology and plans to deploy Custom Private Networks for the businesses that keep this country running, we’re paving the way for future innovations.
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