Cobham Satcom and Gatehouse Satcom have agreed to merge their network operations in a move aimed at accelerating the satellite industry’s shift towards 5G-based standards.
Announced in Copenhagen on 8th December, the deal will see Gatehouse Satcom combine with Cobham Satcom’s Network Division to form a new subsidiary within the Cobham Satcom Group. Financial terms were not disclosed, and the transaction remains subject to regulatory approval.
Kenney Schmidt Christiansen, Chief Executive of Gatehouse Satcom, will lead the merged unit. He said the combination would give the business “the scale and talent to accelerate our ambitions”, adding that the group would continue to develop integrated 5G non-terrestrial network, or NTN, systems for commercial, government, defence, and emerging direct-to-device markets.
The merger brings together Cobham Satcom’s long-established radio access network and ground infrastructure capabilities with Gatehouse’s 3GPP-compliant 5G NTN software, already tested across low-, medium-, and geostationary-orbit constellations.
The new unit is expected to maintain its current product lines while expanding into next-generation 5G and 6G NTN connectivity, targeting maritime, defence, enterprise, IoT, and direct-to-device customers.
Cobham Satcom, which will retain majority ownership of the combined business, said the deal strengthens its wider technology roadmap during a period of rapid change in satellite communications.
Christophe Duret, Chief Executive of Cobham Satcom, described the merger as creating “significant strategic opportunities”, noting that the company aims to offer satellite operators and service providers a more comprehensive platform as they migrate towards 5G NTN standards.
Cobham Satcom will continue to operate its SAILOR, Sea Tel, EXPLORER, and TRACKER brands across its maritime, government, and enterprise portfolios.
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