Latest news with #OmarQaise
Broadcast Pro
2 days ago
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
OQ Technology launches 5NETSAT for direct satellite-to-phone links
Backed by the European Innovation Council, the 5NETSAT mission will deliver secure 5G satellite messaging and emergency alerts to unmodified smartphones, advancing Europes digital sovereignty and space innovation. OQ Technology has launched its flagship 5NETSAT mission, backed by a 2.5m grant from the European Innovation Council (EIC) under the EIC Accelerator programme. The mission aims to demonstrate direct satellite-to-smartphone communication capabilities, including emergency SMS and broadcast alerts delivered to standard 5G devices using IMT spectrum. These services will operate without any hardware or software modifications, marking a significant leap in Europes secure space-based communications infrastructure. In addition to the grant, OQ Technology has secured equity investment from the EIC Fund, reinforcing the European Unions confidence in the companys trajectory to become the regions first commercial Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) satellite operator. The dual support comes amid heightened geopolitical attention on sovereign digital infrastructure and resilient communication networks. Omar Qaise, Founder and CEO of OQ Technology, said: 'This marks a significant milestone in our journey to build Europes first commercial Direct-to-Mobile satellite constellation. With 5NETSAT, we are proving that secure, space-based mobile communication is not only technically viable but scalable, sustainable, and lifesaving.' 5NETSAT will serve as Europes first service demonstration of a 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) in Low Earth Orbit. It will enable satellite-based delivery of emergency alerts and SMS messages to 5G smartphones, allow real-time public safety communications during disasters or cyberattacks, and support secure coordination for first responders and national emergency agencies. The systems compatibility with standard 3GPP smartphones allows for rapid deployment across both civilian and governmental applications. Beyond technical validation, the mission is expected to deliver a wide-ranging impact. Socially, it promotes digital inclusion for underserved regions and improves public safety. Economically, it supports innovation, creates high-value jobs in the European space sector, and opens new commercial opportunities through mobile-satellite convergence. Environmentally, it reduces dependence on terrestrial infrastructure and aligns with the European Green Deal by enabling greener connectivity. 5NETSAT also supports key EU policy initiatives, including IRIS², The Digital Decade, Horizon Europe, and the Gigabit Infrastructure Act. It directly contributes to global Sustainable Development Goals, especially in areas such as disaster resilience, climate action, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration. With EIC funding secured, 5NETSAT becomes the critical first step toward full-scale deployment of OQ Technologys global D2M constellation. The company is advancing rapidly toward commercial launch, unlocking new markets and delivering secure, resilient mobile connectivity across Europe and beyond.
Broadcast Pro
01-07-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
OQ Technology launches MACSAT 2.0 mission
By launching this mission, OQ Technology becomes the first European company to target the Direct-to-Smartphone market using 3GPP-standardised NTN connectivity. Luxembourg-based OQ Technology has announced the signing of a contract and the official launch of its MACSAT 2.0 Direct-To-Smartphone Mission, a satellite communication project aimed at advancing 5G connectivity from space. Supported by the Government of Luxembourg through the LuxIMPULSE programme, led by the Luxembourg Space Agency and technically managed by the European Space Agency, the mission marks a major step forward in non-terrestrial networks. Building on the success of the original MACSAT 1.0 In-Orbit-Demo and NB-IoT technology developed by OQ, MACSAT 2.0 aims to develop 5G New Radio (NR) non-terrestrial network (NTN) direct-to-mobile communications in different bands with flexible beams. This technology will enable SMS and emergency broadcasting capabilities in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for global connectivity. With MACSAT 2.0, OQ Technology becomes the first European company to address the Direct-to-Smartphone market for 3GPP standardised Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity, which is currently addressed mainly by US satellite companies. This places OQ Technology in a strategic position to enhance Luxembourg and the European connectivity infrastructure independence and resilience in space. This achievement enables OQ Technology to be at the forefront of European public and government initiatives, including IRIS². The Direct-To-Smartphone connectivity has gained recently a lot of attention in the defense sector with governments investing heavily in advancing resilient and secure cellular coverage over satellites in the battlefield, in addition to providing reliable communication during disasters for first-responders and communities. Omar Qaise, CEO of OQ Technology, commented: 'The MACSAT 2.0 mission represents a major milestone in satellite based 5G connectivity, solidifying OQ Technology's position as a European pioneer in non-terrestrial 5G. By demonstrating direct-to-mobile capabilities in Low Earth Orbit, we are paving the way for ubiquitous global communications that can transform how people and devices connect. We are honored to be leading this collaborative effort with the Luxembourg Space Agency and European Space Agency.' 'Luxembourg has been a frontrunner in satellite communication since the 80s. Direct to device, and direct to mobile communication represent a fantastic development, and have the potential to significantly impact our lives. We are looking forward to the MACSAT 2.0 mission and its developments,' said the Minister of the Economy, Lex Delles. The MACSAT 2.0 IOD Mission represents a collaborative effort between industry and government, showcasing Luxembourg's commitment to space technology innovation and OQ Technology's leadership in satellite based 5G solutions.
