Omnispace and Ligado Networks to partner on spectrum. Photo: Omnispace/Ligado

Omnispace and Ligado Networks have reached an MoU to combine their licensed mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum in the L- and S-Bands for direct-to-device solutions. Under the deal announced Thursday, the companies’ collaboration would use portions of Ligado’s 40 MHz of L-band satellite spectrum in the U.S. and Canada and Omnispace’s 60 MHz of S-band satellite spectrum (3GPP 5G bands n255 and n256). 

Omnispace and Ligado say this amasses the largest block of satellite spectrum dedicated to meeting a global market need for text, voice and data capability. The satellite spectrum is licensed, 3GPP-standardized for non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and already in compliance with existing international ITU and U.S. regulations. They anticipate optimizing multi-orbit satellite networks to provide connectivity to key markets, including consumer smartphone, automotive and Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity.

“The addition of S-band solutions to our growing L-band portfolio of satellite services brings together an unrivaled amount of licensed satellite spectrum across multiple orbits. Together we are able to establish a premier, one-stop shop global footprint for ecosystem partners and global MNOs to offer premium services for billions of mobile subscribers worldwide,” Ligado CEO Doug Smith said.

Omnispace CEO Ram Viswanathan said this spectrum combination “is the last missing piece to unlocking the full promise and potential of direct-to-device connectivity,” and could benefit billions of mobile subscribers globally.