Mavenir and Terrestar successfully conduct first satellite voice call over NB-IoT network in NTN operation mode.
In a groundbreaking development, Mavenir and Terrestar Solutions Inc. have successfully completed the first Voice over Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) call in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) mode. This achievement, which took place in January 2025, marks a significant step forward in the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks and the delivery of seamless connectivity to underserved regions.
Jacques Leduc, the president of Terrestar Solutions, stated that the company embodies innovation and leadership as the first MSS player to offer a real-time voice service based on a fully compliant 3GPP non-terrestrial network. This collaboration further integrates voice services into IoT ecosystems as the standards progress.
The call was made using standard codec, Sony's Altair ALT1250 module, Mavenir Open RAN (Open vRAN and Open Beam radio), Mavenir Converged Packet Core, and was conducted over a 3GPP-standardised NTN S-band spectrum. This approach enables GEO operators to monetise NTN services immediately, offering a potential solution for essential additional coverage in underserved and remote regions.
The network designed for this call works with GEO satellite delays and ensures consistent coverage despite higher latency. This development reinforces Mavenir's role as a pioneer in delivering technologies that empower industries and communities worldwide. The achievement opens the path for broader adoption of NTN-based NB-IoT solutions, extending the scope of reliable communication and supporting IoT use cases.
The collaboration between Mavenir and Terrestar Solutions continues to drive the integration of satellite and terrestrial networks, bringing us one step closer to a future where seamless connectivity is available everywhere. The potential for such collaborations is vast, with the possibility of enhancing network resilience and coverage, and ultimately supporting voice services like VoNB by ensuring seamless communication across different network types.
While specific advancements in VoNB in NTN are not widely documented, related technologies such as Iridium's Project Stardust and the integration of NB-IoT into 5G networks offer insights into the broader context of IoT and NTN integration. These advancements highlight the potential for voice services in satellite networks and the continuing evolution of IoT and NTN technologies.
Technology played a crucial role in the first Voice over Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) call in Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) mode, as the call was made using standard codec, Sony's Altair ALT1250 module, Mavenir Open RAN (Open vRAN and Open Beam radio), Mavenir Converged Packet Core, and was conducted over a 3GPP-standardised NTN S-band spectrum.
This achievement in technology integration reinforces Mavenir's role as a pioneer in delivering technologies that empower industries and communities worldwide, opening the path for broader adoption of NTN-based NB-IoT solutions and supporting IoT use cases.
