STM(R) Announces SuperPico(TM) GSM Base Stations

STM Group announced today its break-through SuperPicoTM GSM base stations. This patented technology is an integrated satellite-cellular system that provides low cost subscriber services using single hop connectivity and local routing. The product is targeted for rural deployments where all-solar installations are now preferred. Marine, military, suburban infilling, and emergency services are also expected to drive demand for this rugged GSM equipment.

“With the SuperPico system, STM can deliver a complete GSM base station that consumes less than 35 Watts of power,” said Rick Forberg, STM’s VP of Marketing & Strategy. “Yet, these small light-weight products provide very good coverage, with a range of up to 15 km and scaling to multiple TRXs.”

The SuperPico system employs advanced digital radio technology developed in Norway combined with proven software-defined radio functionality. Satellite and/or terrestrial backhaul links are supported using the Internet Protocol (IP) with built-in support for IP routing. Local calls and calls between two BTS sites can be connected directly, with only call control and accounting passing back to a central switching location; all traffic is compressed. Thereby, backhaul traffic is greatly reduced.

The SuperPico family of GSM base stations will produce much needed savings on OPEX and CAPEX for cellular operators as they deploy sites to serve the next billion subscribers.

STM has provided cellular backhaul solutions for operators in emerging markets for many years and delivers cost-effective solutions for low to medium density requirements. With these products STM can extend the Radio Access Networks of cellular operators to many new locations not previously viable. STM’s SuperPico base stations will be formally unveiled at the Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona Spain, February 2009.

About STM Group:

STM Group provides high-performance, standards-based satellite network systems and services for mobile and fixed-line IP-based telephony, data and multimedia applications. With its SatLink® product line, the Company is a leader in research, development and manufacturing of MF-TDMA, bandwidth-on-demand solutions with certified compliance to international standards. STM’s services include custom network design, turnkey deployments, and operations management. STM, SuperPico and SatLink are trademarks of STM.