Kymeta u8 antenna installed on a vehicle. Photo: Kymeta

Kymeta and Comtech EF Data Corp. have formed a technology partnership to pair the Kymeta u8 mobility terminal with Comtech a modem. The companies announced Tuesday that the u8 terminal is interoperable with Comtech’s SLM-5650B modem, using open-source standard Open Antenna to Modem Interface Protocol (OpenAMIP) for antenna-router integration.

This pairing is aimed at expanding the reach of each product, and Comtech CEO Fred Kornberg commented that it broadens the mission that the modem can support. Comtech’s modem is designed for critical commercial backhaul, government, and military applications and is certified for U.S. Army Forces Strategic Command (ARSTRAT) Wideband Global Satcom. The u8 is Kymeta’s latest Ku-band land mobility antenna model, geared toward  government, defense, and first responder customers. 

“The integration of the u8 antenna with the Comtech modem allows users to upgrade to a Satcom-on-the-Move (SOTM) capability while utilizing existing modem and hub architecture,” said Neville Meijers, Kymeta Chief Strategy and Marketing Officer. “The ability to leverage existing network hardware while adding the SOTM capability will rapidly enhance unit capabilities.”