Omnispace aims to connect 5G mobile phones to satellite network

Omnispace, based in Tysons, Virginia, wants to be the first company to deliver a global 5G non-terrestrial network with connectivity directly to mobile devices from its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The company believes the future of communications is hybrid — where satellites extend and augment terrestrial mobile networks. Despite competition from similar companies — such as AST SpaceMobile — Omnispace’s Chief Commercial Officer Brian Pemberton said that what differentiates Omnispace is that from the beginning it has taken a standards-based approach. The company has been working with the 3GPP to operate its future satellite constellation in accordance with non-terrestrial network (NTN) specifications as defined by the 3GPP in its Release 17 for 5G.  Both Omnispace and AST SpaceMobile plan for their satellite networks to be combined with terrestrial mobile networks to provide ubiquitous mobile device connectivity. Omnispace announced a partnership with Philippine wireless operator company, Smart Communications, who is interested in using 5G connectivity in remote areas, incorporating Internet of Things and sensors for use in monitoring weather disturbances and natural calamities, and augmenting network coverage for disaster relief.