Liquid Intelligent Technologies, a subsidiary of Cassava Technologies, has entered an exclusive partnership with Globalstar to deliver 5G Private Networks in Africa and the Middle East. This partnership aims to transform connectivity for industries like mining and high-end sectors across these regions. The collaboration not only enhances Liquid’s fiber and Satellite Connectivity offerings but also brings Globalstar’s private 5G solutions, bolstering their existing digital infrastructure. Additionally, there’s potential for further expansion into Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and IoT solutions on a non-exclusive basis.

Connectivity Challenges in Remote Areas and High-Value Sectors

While Africa and the Middle East have seen progress in connectivity, there remain significant hurdles, especially in remote areas and industrial sectors like mining. Traditional 4G networks fall short in addressing the needs for secure, high-performance, and scalable wireless connectivity, particularly in areas lacking sufficient fiber infrastructure. The mining sector, which increasingly depends on automation, AI-driven applications, and remote operations, requires reliable, high-speed networks capable of handling mission-critical tasks.

Moreover, the complexity of deploying private 5G networks adds another layer of challenge, especially when it involves integrating IoT solutions and ensuring connectivity in remote locations. Existing wireless networks often suffer from issues such as radio interference, handover losses, and disconnected radio units (RUs), all of which impede seamless operations in these environments.

How Liquid and Globalstar’s XCOM RAN 5G Solution Addresses Connectivity Needs

Liquid’s exclusive deal with Globalstar to distribute the XCOM RAN private 5G solution addresses these challenges head-on. XCOM RAN is designed as an open RAN multipoint radio system, specifically engineered for private networks. This solution operates on Globalstar’s n53 spectrum, an 11.5 MHz slice of mid-band time-division duplexing (TDD) spectrum. The n53 band, a rare asset not owned by a traditional wireless operator, has been approved by 3GPP for 5G networks and provides an innovative alternative to mainstream wireless systems.

This technology enables Liquid to offer industries, including mining, telecommunications, and enterprises, an advanced wireless solution that surpasses traditional 5G networks. Globalstar claims the XCOM RAN system provides four times the capacity of standard 5G New Radio (NR) systems, making it ideal for high-bandwidth IoT applications, AI-driven services, and automation in critical sectors like mining.

Why Globalstar’s n53 Spectrum and XCOM RAN Are Ideal for Private 5G Networks

The combination of XCOM RAN and the n53 spectrum offers unique advantages for private 5G networks. Operating on a time-division duplexing (TDD) system, this spectrum allows uplink and downlink transmissions on the same frequency, enhancing network efficiency. Globalstar’s Band 53, the 4G variant of the n53 spectrum, provides a solid foundation for industries needing robust and secure wireless communication.

Furthermore, XCOM RAN eliminates common issues found in traditional wireless networks, such as radio interference and disconnected RUs, making it a superior solution for industries that depend on reliable communication for automation and remote operations. Satellite Connectivity further enhances this system, providing reliable network coverage even in regions where terrestrial networks are insufficient.

The Impact of Liquid and Globalstar’s 5G Private Networks on AI, IoT, and Automation

The partnership between Liquid Intelligent Technologies and Globalstar brings a multitude of benefits:

• Enhanced Private 5G Networks: The XCOM RAN solution is specifically tailored for mission-critical applications in industries such as mining, which depend on seamless communication for safety and automation.
• Improved Coverage in Remote Areas: By leveraging Liquid’s expansive fiber and satellite network, this partnership extends 5G connectivity to previously underserved regions in Africa and the Middle East.
• IoT and AI Integration: The partnership supports AI-driven applications and IoT solutions, enabling businesses to deploy advanced analytics, automation, and remote operations.
• Scalability and Efficiency: With four times the capacity of traditional 5G systems, this solution is scalable and can be deployed in various industries, from mining to manufacturing and smart cities.

How Liquid and Globalstar Are Transforming Connectivity in Mining and Other Industries

The mining sector, in particular, will benefit from private 5G networks with the ability to deploy automated machinery, monitor operations remotely, and integrate advanced AI solutions. For high-value environments like this, reliable connectivity is critical for enhancing productivity and operational safety. Other sectors, such as smart cities and healthcare, stand to benefit from similar capabilities, transforming how these industries operate in an increasingly digital world.

Globalstar’s n53 spectrum and XCOM RAN technology create a unique offering, combining spectrum availability with superior performance in dense wireless environments. This partnership will also appeal to other sectors, including telecommunications, government, and cable companies, looking for advanced private 5G solutions.

Liquid’s Role in Deploying 5G Private Networks Across Africa and the Middle East

Liquid Intelligent Technologies is tasked with rolling out 5G Private Networks across Africa and the Middle East, leveraging its 110,000 km-long fiber broadband network and satellite capabilities. The company will also provide comprehensive customer support, technical assistance, and warranty services to ensure seamless implementation of Globalstar’s products.

Liquid, already a major player in African digital infrastructure, sees this partnership as an opportunity to expand its influence in the region, empowering enterprises to adopt next-gen technologies like AI, IoT, and automation.

Globalstar’s Contribution to Liquid’s 5G and IoT Solutions in Africa

Globalstar brings its extensive expertise in satellite and terrestrial spectrum technologies to the table. The n53 mid-band spectrum and XCOM RAN solutions are at the heart of this partnership, offering unparalleled capacity gains and superior wireless performance. Globalstar will continue to support Liquid with its satellite offerings and provide necessary infrastructure for IoT applications, particularly in industries like mining and telecommunications.

Ongoing Deployment of 5G Private Networks in Africa and the Middle East

The partnership between Liquid and Globalstar is in its initial phase, with the rollout of Private 5G Networks already underway. Liquid has exclusive rights to distribute Globalstar’s solutions in Africa and the Middle East, with potential for future expansion into Satellite Connectivity and IoT offerings.

Over the next year, Liquid will focus on deploying XCOM RAN private networks to key customers, particularly in the mining sector. The goal is to extend the benefits of 5G and AI-driven applications to high-value industries across Africa and the Middle East, with potential expansion into the Gulf region.

Liquid and Globalstar Leaders Highlight the Power of 5G in Transforming Connectivity

Strive Masiyiwa, Chairman of Liquid Intelligent Technologies, expressed his excitement about how these Private 5G Networks will provide next-gen services like AI and enable companies, especially in industries like mining, to manage operations more efficiently. He emphasized the potential of 5G Private Networks to revolutionize industries in remote regions, offering unprecedented capabilities in automation, data processing, and real-time operations.

Globalstar CEO, Paul Jacobs, reiterated the benefits of their n53 spectrum, emphasizing how XCOM RAN addresses many of the shortcomings of traditional wireless solutions, such as radio interference and handover losses. The solution is ideal for dense deployments, ensuring superior performance and reliability for industries like mining and manufacturing.

In summary, this partnership between Liquid and Globalstar will enhance 5G Private Networks across Africa, the Middle East, and the Gulf, offering industries a unique and scalable solution to meet their evolving connectivity needs.