Omnispace has announced a partnership with African telecommunications company MTN to explore the utilization of S-band for satellite services, aiming to broaden MTN's range of wireless offerings.

As part of this collaboration, both entities will investigate the fusion of MTN's terrestrial mobile networks with Omnispace's non-terrestrial (NTN) network, utilizing 3GPP standards. This integration aims to cater to consumer mobile and enterprise IoT services. Additionally, the partnership will delve into potential collaborations in developing and expanding a device and software ecosystem.

Ram Viswanathan, CEO of Omnispace, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing the provision of secure, cost-effective, and widespread 5G mobile connectivity through the seamless amalgamation of satellite and terrestrial networks. He expressed Omnispace's commitment to collaborating with MTN to introduce a pioneering solution based on 3GPP standards, facilitating non-terrestrial network connectivity across a diverse array of devices, products, and applications.

As per the agreement, Omnispace will work towards establishing a next-generation, standards-based mobile and IoT network tailored to the regions served by MTN. In the interim, the companies will join forces to conduct tests utilizing Omnispace's satellites already in orbit, aiming to validate technology, capabilities, and potential use cases.

Mazen Mroué, Chief Technology and Information Officer of the MTN Group, expressed the strategic significance of the collaboration, emphasizing the intent to systematically expand service coverage. Recognizing the pivotal role of connectivity in societal development and economic progress, Mroué highlighted the partnership with Omnispace as a crucial step towards ensuring consistent and reliable network access. This initiative aims to bolster foundational infrastructure, fostering a digitally inclusive future and facilitating the benefits of modern connected living for all.

MTN, headquartered in South Africa, boasts nearly 290 million subscribers across multiple markets in Africa and the Middle East.

In a recent development, MTN inked a deal with Swedish vendor Ericsson to revamp the core network infrastructure of its affiliates in South Africa and Nigeria over a five-year period. Building upon existing collaborations for cloud-native core network deployment with Ericsson in both nations, this modernization initiative seeks to prepare MTN Nigeria's and MTN South Africa's network infrastructures for future 5G Standalone capabilities.