What Gatehouse Satcom does

Gatehouse Satcom A/S is a Danish private company, headquartered in Denmark, and operating as a subsidiary of Cobham Satcom following a December 2025 combination. The company develops the complete software foundation for 5G Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) satellite communication systems, with three decades of NTN experience across 15+ satellite communication technologies. Its product portfolio spans a 3GPP Release 17-compliant 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB (supporting GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits in both transparent and regenerative architectures), a Reference UE software stack for SDR and custom hardware platforms, a 5G NTN NR gNodeB physical layer, the BGAN Protocol Stack (deployed in more than 120,000 terminals from Addvalue, Japan Radio Co., Honeywell, and Hughes), the SB-SAT Protocol Stack for LEO-to-GEO inter-satellite data relay, and a validation tool suite comprising the NB-IoT Validation Platform, BGAN Network Emulator, BGAN Application Tester, and UAV Satcom Test Tools. Software covers full protocol stack layers (PHY, MAC, RLC, RRC, NAS) with NTN-specific adaptations for long round-trip times, Doppler effects, and large-coverage-beam dynamics.

The company sells primarily through direct enterprise field sales to satellite operators, terminal and device manufacturers, defense organizations, IoT service providers, and MNOs, structured around three engagement phases: Analyze (feasibility studies and architectural guidance), Validate (lab, hardware-in-the-loop, and field validation), and Operate (operational software licensing with onboarding, integration support, training, and ongoing updates). Revenue streams include software licensing for eNodeB/gNodeB and UE software, BGAN Protocol Stack per-terminal royalties, validation platform access, feasibility studies, and one-time-licensed test tools. Named enterprise customers include Viasat (including Inmarsat), Hughes, Honeywell, Iridium, Space42, Sateliot, Omnispace, Nordic Semiconductor, ESA, Dassault Aviation, Addvalue Technologies, Japan Radio Co., Cobham Satcom, and Myriota. The company is a full member of 3GPP, actively contributing to NTN standards, and has been part of the Viasat Velaris Partner Network as the preferred UAV validation partner.

Following the December 2025 merger with Cobham Satcom (which merged with Viasat earlier), Gatehouse Satcom now operates as a software-focused subsidiary within a combined entity positioned to deliver pre-integrated waveform-on-payload and RAN-on-ground solutions for global 5G satellite infrastructure. The company maintains an active partnerships pipeline (MSSA membership July 2026, Rohde & Schwarz collaboration April 2026, Druid Software MOU March 2024) and is expanding into direct-to-device messaging, military/defense applications, and UAV validation markets beyond its legacy BGAN terminal OEM base.

Name

Gatehouse Satcom

Legal name

Gatehouse Satcom A/S

Website

https://gatehousesatcom.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Gatehouse Satcom develops 5G NTN and BGAN protocol stack software for satellite operators and terminal manufacturers, providing 3GPP Release 17-aligned eNodeB, gNodeB PHY, Reference UE, and validation tools. The Danish company is now a subsidiary of Cobham Satcom following a December 2025 merger.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite Communication Software

NAICS

Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Satellite Telecommunications (51741)

SIC

Services-Computer Programming Services (7371), Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom) (HDAIAJAB)

Keywords

• Satellite communication software
• 5G NTN software
• BGAN protocol stack
• Non-terrestrial network stack
• Satellite IoT connectivity

Headquarters

HQ city

Nørresundby

HQ country

Denmark

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Software Licensing — eNodeB/gNodeB: Gatehouse Satcom licenses its NTN NB-IoT eNodeB and NR gNodeB software for production commercial deployment. Licensing includes onboarding, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), integration support, training, and ongoing updates. This is the primary revenue stream supporting continuous operation, configuration, and lifecycle management across LEO, MEO, and GEO environments for satellite operators and integrators.
2. UE Software Licensing: Licensing of 5G NTN NB-IoT Reference UE software for integration into SDR platforms or custom hardware. Supports integration into customer platforms with access to documentation, support channels, and ongoing updates aligned with evolving 3GPP NTN roadmap. Enables prototype stage through full deployment programs.
3. Validation Platform Access and Services: Revenue derived from providing access to the NB-IoT Validation Platform for lab, HIL, or field validation engagements. Includes software components, hardware options, engineering support, and structured test environments. Engagements are tailored to operator, service provider, and developer needs for architecture qualification, interoperability checks, and pre-operational demonstration.
4. BGAN Protocol Stack Licensing: BGAN Protocol Stack licensed to BGAN terminal manufacturers (e.g., Addvalue Technologies, Japan Radio Co., Honeywell, Hughes) for integration into user terminals. More than 120,000 terminals have been licensed with the Gatehouse Protocol Stack. Licensing includes documentation, commissioning procedures, operator training, and source-level integration options under separate license.
5. Feasibility Study and Consulting Services: Gatehouse Satcom conducts NTN NB-IoT and NR feasibility studies combining technical modeling, architectural evaluation, and business interpretation. Studies use validated simulation frameworks to model end-to-end performance from link-level physics to network behavior. Delivered as structured reports with KPI maps, link-budget tables, capacity estimates, and scenario comparisons for investment and deployment decisions.
6. BGAN Test Tools (BNE, BAT, UAV Test Tools): Revenue from BGAN Network Emulator, BGAN Application Tester, and UAV Satcom Test Tools sold as products or service engagements. These off-air testing tools enable terminal testing, automated regression testing, and UAV/UAV application validation without airtime costs or line-of-sight requirements.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Gatehouse Satcom develops and licenses software stacks for 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) and BGAN satellite communication systems. Its products include a 3GPP Release 17 compliant 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB and Reference UE, a 5G NTN New Radio gNodeB PHY layer, the market-proven BGAN Protocol Stack, BGAN SDR waveform, SB-SAT IDRS stack, and validation/emulation tools (BNE, BAT, UAV Satcom Test Tools). Software is delivered to satellite operators, terminal manufacturers, and defense organizations for deployment across LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite constellations in both transparent and regenerative payload architectures.

Product overview

Gatehouse Satcom delivers the complete software foundation for satellite communication systems across two main product lines: 5G NTN (Non-Terrestrial Networks) and BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network). The 5G NTN portfolio includes the NB-IoT eNodeB for commercial satellite IoT deployment, NB-IoT Reference UE Software for device development, NB-IoT Validation Platform for testing, and NR gNodeB/New Radio Demonstrator for broadband 5G over satellite—all aligned with 3GPP Release 17 and beyond. The BGAN portfolio features the Protocol Stack (deployed in 120,000+ terminals), Application Framework, SDR waveform solution, SB-SAT Protocol Stack for inter-satellite relay, plus the BGAN Application Tester, Network Emulator, and UAV Satcom Test Tools for validation. The company also provides feasibility study services for architecture modeling. Products support both transparent (bent-pipe) and regenerative satellite architectures across GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits. Gatehouse Satcom operates as a subsidiary of Cobham Satcom following a December 2025 merger.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB A field-proven 5G NTN NB-IoT eNodeB for satellite operators and integrators building satellite-based IoT services. Supports 3GPP Release 17 IoT-NTN compliant operation across GEO, MEO, and LEO orbits in both transparent and regenerative architectures.
• 5G NTN NB-IoT Reference UE Software A 3GPP Release-17-aligned UE software stack optimized for Software Defined Radio platforms, providing full-stack protocol visibility (PHY, MAC, RLC, RRC, EMM, EPS) for NTN-specific device implementations.
• 5G NTN NB-IoT Validation Platform A configurable NB-IoT NTN environment for lab, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL), or field validation. Provides standards-aligned eNodeB software, multi-vendor UE integration, satellite and terrestrial network emulation, and automated test framework for 3GPP Releases 17 to 19.
• 5G NTN NB-IoT Feasibility Study Modeling and simulation-based feasibility assessment service that evaluates NB-IoT NTN architecture performance, capacity, and business potential. Uses validated simulation frameworks to model link-level physics to network behavior and business impact.
• 5G NTN NR gNodeB A 3GPP-aligned 5G NTN New Radio gNodeB physical layer (PHY) solution for satellite operators and integrators building non-terrestrial 5G networks. Implements NR physical layer adapted for satellite conditions including Doppler, long delays, and payload constraints.
• 5G NTN NR Demonstrator A controlled 5G NTN New Radio demonstrator for proving PHY stability and throughput. Supports pilot planning and early deployments with real, repeatable data across anchored 5G NR operation, FR1 bands (L/S), single-carrier configuration, and remote broadband scenarios.
• 5G NTN NR Feasibility Study Assessment service for NTN New Radio performance, capacity, and business potential. Uses advanced modeling and simulation tools to evaluate architecture choices, validate link performance, and build a data-backed case for investment and deployment.
• BGAN Protocol Stack A proven, type-approved software core for BGAN user terminals. Combines UMTS Non-Access Stratum with Viasat's proprietary Access Stratum, deployed in more than 120,000 terminals from manufacturers including Addvalue Technologies, Japan Radio Co., Honeywell, and Hughes.
• BGAN Application Framework A software framework for terminal manufacturers to improve control and optimize development of BGAN application layers. Includes AT Handler, built-in handlers for Network Access Control, Packet Switched and Circuit Switched calls, and SMS support.
• BGAN for Software Defined Radio A complete, Viasat type-approved BGAN waveform for Software Defined Radio platforms. Includes software for FPGAs, DSPs and GPPs, supports all UE classes, and is designed for portability using standard SCA interfaces for both commercial and military applications.
• SB-SAT Protocol Stack (IDRS) Inter-Satellite Data Relay Services (IDRS) protocol stack enabling relay of data from LEO to GEO satellites for cost-efficient and real-time connectivity. Based on the proven BGAN Protocol Stack with additional features for LEO satellite use including predictive handover and Doppler compensation.
• BGAN Application Tester (BAT) Essential tool for ensuring high-quality satellite applications connected via BGAN, FBB or SBB terminals with test and verification in an emulated and controlled Inmarsat BGAN environment. Supports on-the-bench testing without airtime or line-of-sight requirements.
• BGAN Network Emulator (BNE) The most comprehensive test tool for both manual and automated terminal testing. Brings the BGAN satellite network into a test bench, allowing end-to-end testing of BGAN, FBB or SBB terminals in a controlled test environment without airtime or line-of-sight requirements.
• UAV Satcom Test Tools Off-air testing tools for UAV satcom connectivity validation using digital twin emulation. Enables verification of satellite links under realistic, repeatable conditions including testing video compression and encryption for safe and reliable BLOS (Beyond Line of Sight) operations.

Quantifiable outcome

• 120,000+ terminals licensed with Gatehouse BGAN Protocol Stack across land, maritime, aviation, and space segments
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered strategic, core, flagship and minor.

• Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA)strategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2026Gatehouse Satcom joined the Mobile Satellite Services Association (MSSA) in July 2026. MSSA is an industry association focused on advancing mobile satellite services and promoting standards-based NTN deployments.
• Rohde & SchwarzcoreTechnology or Integration · 9 April 2026Gatehouse Satcom and Rohde & Schwarz formalized a collaboration in April 2026 to strengthen 5G GEO- and LEO-NTN validation and testing. The collaboration combines Gatehouse's NTN eNodeB software with Rohde & Schwarz's test and measurement infrastructure for end-to-end NTN validation environments.
• Cobham SatcomflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 December 2025Cobham Satcom and Gatehouse Satcom joined forces in December 2025 to create a global powerhouse in 5G satellite infrastructure. The combination brings together Gatehouse's NTN software (eNodeB, gNodeB, BGAN Protocol Stack) with Cobham Satcom's hardware, distribution, and customer relationships. Gatehouse Satcom is now a subsidiary of Cobham Satcom. The merged entity can deliver pre-integrated waveform on satellite payload and RAN on the ground.
• Nordic Semiconductor and SateliotcoreTechnology or Integration · 12 October 2025Nordic Semiconductor, Sateliot, and Gatehouse Satcom achieved a breakthrough in LEO satellite IoT connectivity for remote regions in October 2025. The collaboration combined Nordic's chipsets, Sateliot's LEO constellation, and Gatehouse's 5G NTN NB-IoT software to demonstrate standards-based satellite IoT connectivity.
• Omnispace and Nordic SemiconductorcoreTechnology or Integration · 12 May 2025Omnispace, Gatehouse Satcom, and Nordic Semiconductor demonstrated 5G NB-IoT capability over non-geostationary S-band satellite in May 2025. The demonstration validated standards-compliant NTN NB-IoT connectivity and interoperability. Omnispace cited Gatehouse Satcom as a responsive and flexible partner.
• Space42coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 May 2025Space42 and Gatehouse Satcom collaborated to advance direct-to-device satellite messaging in May 2025. The collaboration focused on integrating Gatehouse's 5G NTN software with Space42's satellite constellation to enable direct-to-device messaging capabilities. Space42 is listed as a Mission Partner on Gatehouse's website.
• IridiumcoreTechnology or Integration · 12 March 2025Iridium and Gatehouse Satcom advanced standardized Non-Terrestrial Network IoT with Iridium NTN Direct in March 2025. Gatehouse's eNodeB software was integrated with Iridium's satellite network to demonstrate standards-compliant NTN IoT. Iridium cited Gatehouse as operating 'like a partner and not a vendor.'
• Space Connect NorthminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2025Gatehouse Satcom joined Space Connect North in February 2025, a Danish industry association uniting Denmark's space industry for innovation and collaboration.
• Druid SoftwarestrategicTechnology or Integration · 12 March 2024Gatehouse Satcom and Druid Software signed an MOU in March 2024 to prove integration of RAN and Core Network for Advanced 5G NTN Services. The partnership combines Gatehouse's NTN eNodeB with Druid's 5G Core Network (based on open-source 5G software) to demonstrate end-to-end NTN system integration.
• ViasatflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGatehouse has a long-term technology partnership with Viasat (formerly Inmarsat), supplying the complete BGAN Protocol Stack as a reference implementation used to validate Viasat Mandatory Test Requirement scripts and associated type approval equipment. Gatehouse is Viasat's preferred validation partner for UAV connectivity (Velaris Partner Network). Post-merger with Cobham Satcom, this relationship is now part of the broader Viasat/Cobham ecosystem.
• ESA (European Space Agency)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGatehouse Satcom is a Mission Partner with ESA, contributing to early 5G NTN validation programs. Gatehouse's UE software implementation contributed to early NTN validation programs with ESA and industry partners. ESA projects include the Flight Path Emulator project initiated in May 2023.
• Inmarsat (now Viasat)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerGatehouse Satcom has a long-standing partnership with Inmarsat (now part of Viasat following merger), supplying the BGAN Protocol Stack and SB-SAT Protocol Stack. The BGAN Protocol Stack is fully compliant with Inmarsat System Definition Manual and validated through Inmarsat's Mandatory Test Requirements. Inmarsat's Flight Path Emulator project was kicked off with Gatehouse Satcom in May 2023.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ST Engineering iDirect: ST Engineering iDirect provides satellite ground infrastructure and hub systems. Both companies sell ground-segment software and integration services to satellite operators and terminal manufacturers, competing for the same NTN build-out dollars across GEO/LEO constellations.
• Gilat Satellite Networks: Gilat develops satellite ground segment equipment, VSATs, and hub systems for commercial and defense markets. Its portfolio of satellite baseband systems and terminal software competes with Gatehouse's RAN stack for operator and integrator engagements.
• Hughes Network Systems: Hughes is both a Gatehouse customer (BGAN terminal manufacturer) and a competitor in satellite ground systems and terminals. Hughes sells its own VSAT/SATCOM ground solutions that overlap with the broader satcom infrastructure market Gatehouse serves.
• Comtech Telecommunications: Comtech provides satellite ground station technologies, modems, and cyber-defended communications for government and commercial operators. It competes with Gatehouse in the satcom infrastructure and terminal software stack space, including for defense and 5G NTN programs.
• Kratos Defense & Security Solutions: Kratos provides satcom test, validation, and network management software for both commercial and defense operators. It overlaps directly with Gatehouse's BGAN Network Emulator, Application Tester, and NB-IoT Validation Platform offerings in enabling operator and terminal qualification workflows.
• Addvalue Technologies: Addvalue is a BGAN terminal manufacturer and Gatehouse customer that integrates Gatehouse's Protocol Stack. It is comparable as a satcom terminal developer competing in adjacent land-mobile and maritime terminal markets using similar NTN software.

Broad incumbents

• Ericsson: Ericsson is a leading terrestrial 5G RAN vendor with active NTN initiatives. As a broad incumbent, it offers overlapping capabilities in 5G core and RAN software and could expand into satellite RAN, competing with Gatehouse for satellite operator software engagements.
• Thales Alenia Space: Thales Alenia Space is a major satellite manufacturer and communications systems integrator serving operators, governments, and defense. As a broad incumbent with end-to-end satcom capabilities, it overlaps with Gatehouse at the system level for NTN deployments even where it does not directly sell RAN software.
• Qualcomm Technologies: Qualcomm drives NTN support directly in mobile chipsets and standards contributions, complementing operators' ground-side deployments. Its chipset-side NTN footprint shapes the same standards-based NTN ecosystem that Gatehouse serves on the RAN side.
• Nokia: Nokia is a major 5G RAN and core vendor extending into NTN via partnerships and AnyRAN approaches. As a broad incumbent with deep operator relationships, it competes with Gatehouse where satellite operators procure integrated terrestrial-plus-NTN stacks.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/gh_satcom

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Gatehouse Satcom