Transforming the utilities sector: a collaboration of Airspan, Cocus, Cyrus Technology, Frequentis and GCT Semiconductor

The five tech partners Airspan, Cocus, Cyrus Technology, Frequentis, and GCT Semiconductor Holding Inc. (NYSE: GCTS), proudly announce the strategic partnership aimed at advancing critical communication networks within the utilities sector. The collaboration will leverage the distinct strengths of each partner to deliver robust, end-to-end solutions within the 450MHz ecosystem, addressing the critical communication challenges faced by utility companies.

The utilities sector faces substantial challenges in maintaining and upgrading their communication networks, which often consist of unconnected legacy proprietary systems. With operations spread across vast and often remote areas, utilities must contend with coverage blind spots, particularly in regions with underground facilities and difficult terrain. Additionally, utility workers frequently move between locations, requiring reliable connectivity solutions that support smartphones with VoIP and Push-to-Talk capabilities. As utilities modernize their grids, they require more secure connectivity, faster speeds, and lower latency to support smart grid applications.

4G and 5G networks unify and modernize legacy utility systems, with lower frequency bands like 450MHz extending coverage and improving penetration. 5G also enables secure, low-latency OTT applications like MC-PTT and video, providing a future-proof solution for the evolving needs of the utilities market.

Joined forces demonstrating 410/450mhz end-to-end solutions

This collaboration focuses on delivering a comprehensive end-to-end solution for critical operations by integrating advanced hardware, sophisticated software, and seamless system integration to create reliable and efficient communication networks.

The initial focus in Airspan’s new Utilities Innovation Lab in Warsaw is to demonstrate an end-to-end system featuring Over-the-Air connected devices operating on 410MHz and 450MHz (B31, B72, B87) frequencies. This lab will serve as a practical demonstration and testing ground for the 450MHz technology, showcasing the integrated capabilities put forward by this collaboration:

• Airspan’s High Power Small Form Factor Open RAN Macro solutions offer robust, scalable connectivity for the utilities market. Powered by 3GPP-compliant and custom RAN software, and managed through the Airspan Control Platform (ACP), this integrated offering ensures comprehensive network management and optimization.
• System integration and Core Network services provided by Cocus, a renowned expert in integrating complex systems and delivering robust services and platforms. Cocus will also be the first partner to provide their Core Network ensuring optimal performance and compatibility for end-to-end solutions.
• Cutting-edge devices from Cyrus Technology, supplying high-quality rugged phones and industrial devices, renowned for their durability and performance in demanding environments. Cyrus Technology is a leader in 450Mhz enterprise solutions, digitalization, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• 3GPP aligned MCX/MCS (Mission Critical Voice or MCPTT, Data and Video) from Frequentis, enabling utility operations to move away from silos of proprietary narrowband critical communication solutions & gradually transitioning towards a modular and interoperable ecosystem of 3GPP compliant applications and backend services they can shape and adapt with minimum effort based on their evolving operational needs.
• GCT Semiconductor’s high-performance solutions, developed in partnership with Airspan, offering advanced LTE and 5G state-of-the-art RF modules designed for a broad range of devices tailored for the utilities market, enhancing operational efficiency.

This collaborative effort invites industry leaders, technology partners, and media representatives to visit our Utilities Innovation Lab for a firsthand demonstration of our innovative solutions.

Experience the future of utility communications and discover how we are collectively driving the transformation of the utilities sector.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact: https://airspan.com/contact/.

About Airspan

Airspan Networks Holdings Inc. (OTC:MIMOQ) is a U.S.-based provider of groundbreaking, disruptive software and hardware for 5G networks, and a pioneer in end-to-end Open RAN solutions that provide interoperability with other vendors. As a result of innovative technology and significant R&D investments to build and expand 5G solutions, Airspan believes it is well-positioned with 5G indoor and outdoor, Open RAN, private networks for enterprise customers and industrial use applications, fixed wireless access (FWA), Air-To-Ground and CBRS solutions to help mobile network operators of all sizes deploy their networks of the future, today. With over one million cells shipped to 1,000 customers in more than 100 countries, Airspan has global scale. For more information, visit www.airspan.com.

About COCUS:

COCUS is a passionate solution provider dedicated to connecting industries and empowering innovation worldwide through scalable, high-performance, and sustainable digital solutions and services. With over 20 years of cross-industry experience, COCUS leverages cutting-edge technologies in connectivity, infrastructure, software development, data, and security to accelerate digital transformation and unlock business value. The vision of a seamlessly connected digital future drives COCUS’ offer of comprehensive LTE/5G private network solutions including own core network and a robust catalogue of Industry 4.0 applications. For more information, visit www.cocus.com.

About Cyrus Technology:

Cyrus Technology is a manufacturer of high-quality rugged phones and industrial devices, dedicated to empowering businesses in the era of digital transformation and Industry 4.0. With more than 10 years of experience in the development of smartphone-based rugged devices, our products are engineered to enhance productivity, security and reliability. Our development process involves close collaboration with clients to understand their challenges and objectives, ensuring that every device we create provides optimal performance and user satisfaction. Headquartered in Germany, we collaborate with top-tier technology partners and serve a diverse clientele across various industries. Our commitment is to develop and deliver industrial solutions with the highest quality and IT security standards, ensuring the integrity and protection of our clients' data and operations. For more information, visit www.cyrus-technology.de

About Frequentis:

Frequentis stands for a safer world. Our solutions are used in our customers’ command and control centres and help them make the world safer.

Frequentis’ reliable communication and information systems are used around the world by civil and military air traffic control organisations (Air Traffic Management segment) and the police, emergency rescue services, fire brigades, railways, coastguards, and port authorities (Public Safety & Transport segment).

The listed family business based in Vienna, Austria, drives innovative and sustainable solutions for safety and security in everyday life and communications in the safety-critical sector. Its air traffic optimisation solutions for air traffic control centres contribute to reducing emissions.

With a market share of 30%, this high-tech company is the world market leader in voice communication systems for civil air traffic control.

As a global player with more than 2,300 employees (full-time equivalents/FTE), Frequentis has a worldwide network of companies in over 50 countries. Its products, services, and solutions are used in around 150 countries. Shares in Frequentis are traded on the Vienna and Frankfurt stock exchanges; ISIN: ATFREQUENT09, WKN: A2PHG5. In 2023, revenues were EUR 427.5 million and EBIT was EUR 26.6 million.

For more information, please visit www.frequentis.com.

About GCT Semiconductor:

GCT Semiconductor is a leading fabless designer and supplier of advanced 5G and 4G LTE semiconductor solutions. GCT's market-proven solutions have enabled fast and reliable LTE connectivity to numerous commercial devices such as smartphones, tablets, hotspots, USB dongles, routers, M2M applications, etc., for the world's top LTE carriers. GCT's system-on-chip solutions integrate radio frequency, baseband modem and digital signal processing functions, therefore offering complete 4G platform solutions with small form factors, low power consumption, high performance, high reliability and cost effectiveness. For more information, visit www.gctsemi.com.

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