February 28, 2018
Latest News

VT iDirect and Software Radio Systems Partner to Transform Media Streaming Over Hybrid Satellite Cellular 5G Network

Delivering Seamless Video Streaming for Users Around the Globe, and Reduced Operational Costs for Network Operators

Herndon, VA, February 28, 2018 – VT iDirect, Inc. (VT iDirect), a company of Vision Technologies Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that it will partner with Ireland-based Software Radio Systems (SRS) to transform multimedia streaming on mobile devices, by leveraging the efficiencies of a hybrid cellular and satellite network. The project, partially funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), as well as VT iDirect’s solutions group based in Killarney Ireland, will develop technologies based on LTE Broadcast, Adaptive Bitrate Video and Content Distribution Networks. This will bring about an enhanced video streaming experience for users around the globe, at a reduced network operational cost for network operators.

SRS is a global leader in the emerging field of software radio, specializing in high-performance software for wireless systems including 4G LTE and 5G NR, and working with partners in the US, Canada, and across Europe.

The ability to cost-effectively stream video to mobile devices is a critical operational priority for mobile operators worldwide. According to Ericsson’s latest Mobility Report, mobile video traffic is forecasted to grow by around 50 percent annually through 2023 to account for 75 percent of all mobile data traffic. The increased traffic is being driven by higher resolution video formats, as well as an increasing preference among consumers for TV viewing on a mobile device.

iDirect and SRS will focus on how satellite can be used to efficiently deliver video content to mobile users by using satellite networks to cache content close to the cellular base station in anticipation of the introduction of the 5G mobile standard.

“This is a transformational project which will provide seamless video streaming content directly to millions of users over huge geographic areas,” said Paul Sutton, co-founder, SRS. “Our unique partnership with the European Space Agency and VT iDirect enables us to combine satellite and terrestrial mobile network infrastructure to guarantee a high-quality multimedia experience for every user on the network, while avoiding network congestion and maximizing capacity.”

“The future of satellite communications is intertwined with the rapid growth and future dominance of wireless communications,” said Aneesh Dalvi, Vice President of Applied Research, VT iDirect. “VT iDirect is focused on meeting 5G standards on our platform to expand the use of satellite communications and create new business opportunities for our customers. Our partnership with SRS, funded by the ESA project, is a critical initiative which we hope will leverage the satellite’s unique capabilities to drive down operational costs and improve the user experience, as demand for mobile connectivity skyrockets.”

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Established in 2014, SRS is a global leader in the emerging field of software radio, specializing in high-performance software for wireless systems including 4G LTE and 5G NR and working with partners in the US, Canada and across Europe. With a powerful set of building blocks for creating new mobile products and solutions, SRS lowers the barriers to entry of the traditionally closed mobile equipment ecosystem. By making their building blocks freely available under open-source licenses, they’re disrupting that ecosystem while dramatically reducing costs and providing a straightforward commercialization path for innovative new products. Their srsUE solution is a breakthrough LTE release 10, category 5 reference UE modem. Implemented in high level C/C++, srsUE provides full LTE performance while offering the most accessible and customizable reference design on the market for segments including civil and defense avionics, satellite, public safety, industrial and private mobile radio networks.

VT iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is a global leader in IP-based satellite communications providing technology and solutions that enable our partners worldwide to optimize their networks, differentiate their services and profitably expand their businesses. For more than 20 years, the VT iDirect organization has focused on meeting the economic and technology challenges across the satellite industry. Today, the product portfolio, branded under the name iDirect, sets new standards in performance and efficiency, making it possible to deliver voice, video and data connectivity anywhere in the world. VT iDirect is the world’s largest TDMA enterprise VSAT manufacturer and is the leader in key industries including mobility, military/government and cellular backhaul. In 2007, iDirect Government was formed to better serve the U.S. government and defense communities. For more information please visit www.iDirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors. VT Systems’ innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering. Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

Media contacts:

Julie Bettinger
Vice President, Corporate Marketing
VT iDirect
Phone: (1) 703 648 8155
Email: jbettinger@idirect.net

Kimberly Miles
Manager, Corporate Communications
VT Systems
Phone: (1) 703 739 2610
Email: kmiles@vt-systems.com