Kenney Schmidt Christiansen, left, and Christophe Duret, right. Photo: Cobham Satcom

Cobham Satcom has made a significant acquisition in the 5G satellite infrastructure arena with a move to acquire an interesting software company. Cobham Satcom’s Network Division will merge with Gatehouse Satcom, a 5G NTN software company. The new entity will operate as a subsidiary within the Cobham Satcom Group. The deal is subject to regulatory approval. The two companies announced the deal, Dec. 8.

It will bring together Cobham Satcom’s heritage in radio access network platforms and ground infrastructure, with Gatehouse Satcom’s 5G NTN software capabilities. It will develop the 3GPP-compatible 5G NTN software that Gatehouse Satcom has already proven in LEO, MEO, and GEO, aiming to meet the fast-growing market needs for satellite operators to provide 5G-NTN- based stand-alone or coexisting legacy services.

Gatehouse Satcom’s current Kenney Schmidt Christiansen will serve as CEO for the new, merged entity with a mission to deliver integrated 5G NTN network solutions.

The new entity will aim to expand next generation 5G/6G NTN connectivity solutions to enable its customers to serve maritime, defense, IoT, enterprise, and direct-to-device markets worldwide. Cobham Satcom will hold the majority share of the new entity and will continue serving its core maritime, government and enterprise markets, providing satellite communication offerings and products through its SAILOR, Sea Tel, EXPLORER, and TRACKER brands.

“This acquisition creates significant strategic opportunities as the satellite communications industry undergoes rapid transformation. By merging our Network Division’s decades of expertise with Gatehouse Satcom’s groundbreaking 5G NTN capabilities, we’re strengthening our technology roadmap and providing satellite operators and service providers with an unmatched end-to-end platform to support their transition to 5G NTN,” Christophe Duret, CEO of Cobham Satcom, said in a statement.