Voice over Narrowband NTN Testbed
27 March 2025 — Murata and Rohde & Schwarz have collaborated to introduce the world’s first testbed for Voice over Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN), presented at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona. With this demonstration, the two companies set a new standard for satellite-based communications, paving the way for voice capabilities even in the most bandwidth-constrained environments.
The innovative testbed utilizes the CMW500 wideband radio communication tester from Rohde & Schwarz as a GEO/GSO satellite eNB emulator, along with Murata's Type1SC Cat.M1/NB-IoT/NB-NTN module featuring the Sony’s Altair Chip ALT1250. It also employs a VoIP client application developed by Rohde & Schwarz, which uses codecs that operate at ultra-low bitrates. This technology addresses critical communication needs where traditional networks are inadequate. The demonstrator opens the door for push-to-talk-like NB-NTN applications, making it particularly suitable for emergency situations, disaster response, remote areas, and maritime operations.
With the rapid adoption of NB-NTN chipsets in smartphones, wearables, and automotive systems, this technology significantly enhances ubiquitous connectivity solutions. The demonstration highlights the potential of enhanced Narrowband NTN service with push-to-talk voice in addition to emergency SOS, and SMS. The partnership between Murata and Rohde & Schwarz reflects their joint commitment to advancing NTN related use cases.
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