[10-17-07 – Satellite Today] Verso Technologies Inc. and Hughes Network Systems LLC have concluded interoperability testing of the Verso NetPerformer solution over the Hughes broadband satellite platform, the companies announced Oct. 16.

Verso conducted the tests over satellite using a Hughes HX System, demonstrating an interconnection between a remote GSM base transceiver station and a GSM base station controller that involved multiple simultaneous phone calls supporting various voice codec rates as well as different handsets.

The system will be offered to wireless carriers around the globe for GSM and CDMA backhaul applications. To date, a Mexican telecom carrier has received initial delivery of the solution to connect remote base stations, and a customer in the Middle East has installed the solution at 25 locations for Voice Over Internet Protocol services.

"Having successfully completed integration testing with Hughes, we can now offer an optimized NetPerformer cellular backhaul solution that addresses the critical challenges faced by wireless providers globally,” Tim Peyla, vice president, Verso, said in a statement. “In addition, opportunities exist to position the new joint solution with Hughes’ significant installed base of broadband satellite service providers to help wireless operators reduce costs while maintaining [quality of service].”