Adtran collaborates with Iridium Communications to announce the launch of Iridium adoption in Europe and the Asia Pacific region® synchronization solution of satellite time and position technology is an important step in addressing the growing threat of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). Adtran’s OSA 5405-S PTP compact master clock has the STL function. Its OSA 5400 STL module is now available to timing network operators in major countries in Western Europe and Eastern Europe, Türkiye and parts of the Asia Pacific region (including most of Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea). These solutions enhance the resilience and reliability of critical infrastructure such as 5G networks and defense systems. Utilizing low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide precise yand safe positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, these devices can ensure continuous synchronization even in environments where GNSS is damaged. As a certified partner of Iridium, Adtran offers this technology through two different purchasing options: an annual service license for optimal flexibility, or bundled with devices for long-term financial planning.

Michael O’Connor, Executive Vice President of Iridium PNT, said, “Weaknesses in global navigation satellite system signals are increasingly being exploited to create serious problems. As Europe, the Asia Pacific region, and other regions of the world become increasingly reliant on PNT data, attacks on GNSS will only escalate and urgently need to be overcome. Exclusive use of these satellites. By integrating our STL services into Adtran Oscilloquartz devices and making them available in key regions of Europe and the Asia Pacific region, we provide valuable new choices for network operators. They can choose to use our solutions as the primary source of timed data in indoor environments or when GNSS is unavailable.” They can use our secure, high-intensity LEO signal as a backup source for PNT information. This provides the strongest defense ever against threats that threaten every aspect of our daily lives.

Iridium® The STL service utilizes the power of low Earth orbit satellites to transmit encrypted signals 1000 times stronger than GNSS, greatly reducing the vulnerability to interference and manipulation. This technology performs well in challenging environments such as urban canyons and indoor environments, allowing for penetration into the interior of buildings without the need for rooftop antennas. STL services are now a key feature of Adtran’s Oscilloquartz product line. The multifunctional OSA 5405-S PTP Master Clock supports STL time services and multi constellation GNSS, as well as various other timing sources, all of which are in a zero trust architecture, utilizing multiple different timing sources to enhance resilience. In addition, the OSA 5400 STL module extends these advanced STL/GNSS receiver functions to third-party devices that require timing, achieving precise and robust synchronization for a wide range of applications.

Gil Biran, General Manager of Oscilloquartz at Adtran, stated, “We are collaborating with Iridium to bring the advantages of its STL services to critical timing infrastructure around the world, as we share a common goal. We are committed to making PNT networks as resilient and secure as possible. STL is a powerful solution to strengthen zero trust architecture and ensure reliable PNT, making it an ideal choice for indoor and challenging outdoor locations even in the event of GPS signal failure.”. By enabling operators of critical task networks to obtain reliable timing in the most demanding environments, we also eliminate the need to install outdoor antennas and cores through concrete, greatly reducing costs. We are pleased to bring these advantages to more customers in Europe and the Asia Pacific region. Today’s announcement marks a significant progress for network operators and people in these regions, as their daily lives increasingly rely on powerful PNTs.

Adtran is providing STL services in a perfect alignment with the evolving demands of modern network infrastructure, offering two purchasing models aimed at maximizing operational flexibility and supporting financial planning. The “opex model” provides annual service licenses, which is an ideal choice for operators who need flexible annual budgets. On the contrary, the “capital expenditure model” bundles STL services with basic equipment for a period of 3, 5, or 10 years, promoting cost amortization similar to traditional GNSS systems. These options make the advantages of low orbit satellite signals – whether as a powerful main timing source or a highly reliable backup for GNSS – available for reliable and secure PNT critical areas, including 5G, data centers, smart grids, and defense.