• Telit Cinterion’s new end-to-end, turnkey IoT solution will feature 3GPP Release-17 NB-IoT-over-NTN compliant modules with hybrid cellular and satellite connectivity services
• New partnership will provide transportation, logistics, agriculture, mining and other verticals with seamless, ubiquitous connectivity based on floLIVE’s global cellular infrastructure, which acts as the backbone to worldwide connectivity and is complemented by Skylo’s satellite service — even in remote areas

Telit Cinterion, an end-to-end IoT solutions enabler, today announced a solution featuring cellular and satellite connectivity services on its ME910G1 and ME310G1 modules.

In partnership with floLIVE and Skylo Technologies, the new solution ensures that mobile assets — shipping containers, agricultural equipment, trucks, and other high-value assets — are continually trackable and monitored anywhere on earth, from cities and rural highways to deserts and oceans.

The new Telit Cinterion solution is ideal for enterprises in transportation, logistics, construction, mining, agriculture and other verticals whose mission- and business-critical applications require guaranteed global connectivity with their mobile assets. The solution will provide OEMs, system integrators, and enterprises with a turnkey, end-to-end suite featuring:

• Telit Cinterion cellular LPWA module that is fully compliant with the new 3GPP R17 NB-IoT over non-terrestrial network (NTN) standard. This will enable satellite data communication using the NB-IoT protocol — without any special hardware changes required for the integration of the cellular module in the customer application.
• Telit Cinterion cellular and satellite data service plans, as well as a connectivity management portal. This drastically simplifies access to global connectivity with unique, centralized support and an advanced monitoring platform for full control of device fleets.
• Satellite connectivity services from Skylo — a direct-to-device Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) operator focused on connecting anything, anywhere — in conjunction with floLIVE — the creator and owner of the world’s first and largest hyperlocal global network and a leading IoT connectivity enabler.

The Telit Cinterion ME910G1 module is currently under certification and approval by Skylo, making it one of the first modules that will be commercially available for customers globally. The solution will debut in Europe and North America following the launch of the floLIVE-Skylo service in 2024.

“The ability to leverage local cellular connectivity across the globe in tandem with satellite connectivity truly opens the globe to IoT and digital transformation,” said Chen Porat, floLIVE SVP of Sales, APAC and Africa. “floLIVE offers MNOs and IoT MVNOs with a global hyperlocal infrastructure that becomes the backbone to anywhere, ‘always-on’ connectivity. This expansion into the NTN domain signifies our dedication to supporting our partners through continuous growth in carrier relations, global presence, and service offerings.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Telit Cinterion, a recognized leader in the IoT industry. This collaboration will enable us to leverage Telit Cinterion’s expertise in cellular connectivity to expand the reach and capabilities of standards-based NB-IoT-over-NTN with the Skylo solutions,” said Sriram Subramanian, Director of Product Management at Skylo. “Together, we will empower businesses across industries to unlock the true potential of connected devices and drive digital transformation on a global scale.”

“Transportation companies, logistics providers and mine operators are just three examples of enterprises that need to monitor their high-value mobile assets anywhere and everywhere on earth,” said Manish Watwani, Chief Marketing and Product Officer, Telit Cinterion.

“Our strategic partnership with Skylo and floLIVE meets that need by providing the world’s first turnkey package of hardware and seamless, ubiquitous, global connectivity that leverages the best of cellular and satellite — all based on the new 3GPP R17 NB-IoT over NTN standard.”

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Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, is pleased to announce a major milestone for its satellite communication module, CC200A-LB, which has recently secured global certifications from leading authorities, including CE, FCC, IC, and RCM.

This confirms CC200A-LB’s compliance with satellite network standards across Europe, North America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

With a focus on cost-effectiveness and ultra-low latency, the CC200A-LB module delivers a reliable and uninterrupted global network connection. This makes it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, including maritime, transportation, heavy equipment, agriculture, mining, oil and gas monitoring as well as other scenarios where cellular networks may be limited.

Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions, said:

“We are thrilled to see the global approval of our satellite communication module. Its capability in delivering uninterrupted network coverage ensures continuous and cost-effective communication for managing remote and mobile assets anytime, anywhere.”

The CC200A-LB incorporates cutting-edge satellite IoT connectivity offered by ORBCOMM, utilizing the L-band of the Inmarsat GEO constellation. It features two-way communication, low latency, and global coverage. When paired with cellular modules, it enables distinctive dual-mode IoT applications, providing unparalleled reliability, redundancy and ubiquitous coverage. In scenarios with inadequate or disrupted cellular network coverage, IoT devices can seamlessly sustain communication through satellite connections.

The CC200A-LB is designed with a streamlined LCC+LGA package, measuring 37mm × 38mm × 3.35mm. Equipped with multi-constellation GNSS positioning, the module can identify the device’s location quickly and precisely. Its user-friendly AT command set facilitates effortless configuration and management.

The module can be purchased in isolation or with the appropriate Quectel antenna to help accelerate the time-to-market of customer devices.

Apart from the CC200A-LB, Quectel has diversified its portfolio by introducing a range of satellite communication modules. Among them, the CC660D-LS is compliant with 3GPP NTN R17 standards and features two-way communication, support for multiple frequency bands, low latency as well as low power consumption. The BG95-S5 and BG770A-SN modules are designed to support both satellite and cellular networks, providing ubiquitous coverage for IoT applications.

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Highlights:

• Leading edge solutions built around Globalstar IoT satellite technology are helping conservationists in Africa to monitor and protect near-extinct rhinoceros from poachers
• Low-cost ST100 chipset is at the heart of wildlife tracking platform provided by specialist Globalstar Value Added Reseller Wintec Solutions
• Satellite technology means tracking of free-roaming animals is ubiquitous and transmissions uninterrupted, even when beyond GSM mobile networks’ reach

Globalstar Europe Satellite Services Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Globalstar, Inc., the next-generation international telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, announced today that its IoT (internet of things) satellite technology is being used to protect multiple endangered species of wildlife in Africa.

Leading-edge satellite-enabled tracking devices incorporating Globalstar’s small and lightweight ST100 chipset are being used to monitor rhinoceros, part of a widespread concerted effort to protect these nearly-extinct wild animals from illegal poachers.

This is the most recent project carried out by Globalstar Value Added Reseller, Johannesburg-based Wintec Solutions, a specialist technology and solutions provider with extensive experience in animal tracking for wildlife conservation.

Rhinoceros are the subject of widespread illegal killing by poachers across Africa. Wintec Solutions deployed GSatSolar, the latest addition to Globalstar’s IoT satellite tracking solutions portfolio. GSatSolar is an innovative Sun-powered tracking device built around Globalstar’s economical ST100 satellite IoT transmitter. Low-cost and simple to integrate, GSatSolar is a small and rugged satellite IoT tracker ideal for wildlife monitoring. Rhinos are fitted with the device via ear tagging or collar. Other novel ways of deploying the devices are also being explored. The device is also suitable for livestock tracking.

Nature reserves in Africa are expansive, spanning as many as 20,000 hectares in remote bush regions. Their perimeter fencing is often breached by criminals and poachers attempting to gain access to, and kill, the animals within. Such reserves, which are home to as many as 200 free-ranging rhinos, typically are established in locations where GSM mobile signal does not exist. Only satellite communications can provide the always-on connectivity to enable uninterrupted monitoring of the animals.

Significant advantages of GSatSolar are its small size and light weight, so as not to irritate the animal, as well as its robust structure. Furthermore, its low cost makes the solution easily scalable for tracking large herds of wildlife and farm stock. “Its physical attributes make GSatSolar a game changer, and transform the possibilities for wildlife conservation and livestock management,” says Rene Winter, Director of Wintec Solutions.

Globalstar-enabled solutions are at the forefront of today’s conservation activities in Africa; Wintec Solutions is additionally playing a role in the preservation of other African species. Researchers at Giraffe Conservation Foundation are using the system to monitor giraffe migration, and for keeping safeguarding tabs on animals which have been reintroduced into the wild. “We are currently trialling GSatSolar ear tags on giraffe in Namibia. The first units were deployed in June this year and, while field trials are still ongoing, the data received so far are very promising. We’re looking forward to deploying more units in the future and testing them in different countries,” said Dr Courtney Marneweck, Science Data Coordinator at Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

Wintec Solutions is also deploying satellite technology and Globalstar-enabled animal tags in collaboration with veterinary authorities and research students for wild buffalo protection activities in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. Buffalo migration is being monitored so conservationists and government authorities can understand and mitigate the potential spread of Bovine Tuberculosis. In another project, the application of Globalstar-enabled trackers is being tested on pangolins, yet another severely endangered species.

The tracking platform UI developed Wintec Solutions includes an informative mapping portal that tracks the animals’ individual and group movements. Monitoring the rhino, or other wildlife, also informs as to grazing habits, locations of the best nutrition, seasonal breeding habits, as well as the animals’ general health and well-being.

Winter said:

“Our wildlife preservation activities take place well beyond the reach of GSM mobile; Globalstar’s satellite network, with its ubiquitous reach and reliability, is a fundamental enabler in the operations being carried out to protect endangered species.”

“Globalstar created the ST100 transmitter to meet the widespread need for easy-to-integrate, low-cost and lightweight monitoring devices that leverage satellite technology and the Internet of Things,” commented Mark O’Connell, General Manager at Globalstar EMEA & APAC. “We are absolutely delighted that solutions developed through the inventiveness and commitment of our partner Wintec Solutions are now playing such a pivotal role in the vital wildlife conservation activities today taking place across Africa,” he added.

The post Globalstar Satellite IoT Technology is Helping to Safeguard Africa’s Rhinos and Other Endangered Species appeared first on IoT Business News.

Low-cost, solar-powered satellite tracker designed for remote IoT operations and off-grid tracking of assets.

Globalstar, Inc., the next-generation international telecommunications infrastructure and technology provider, today announced that it has added GSatSolar to its portfolio of industrial IoT asset tracking solutions.

Offered in partnership with Global Satellite Engineering (GSE), the small, rugged, low-cost tracking device enables VARs and customers to maximize the value of their tracking software tools by increasing the number of trackable assets in near-real time.

Ideal for remote IoT operations, the satellite powered device allows for a greater number of trackable assets, providing more reliable usable data in the field, improving efficiency, and allowing for true remote IoT autonomous data collection.

“GSatSolar is a low-cost option to monitor assets remotely on the Globalstar LEO network and delivers a plethora of verified IoT data across IoT applications,” said Jake Rembert, vice president of sales at Globalstar.

“The GSatSolar is a versatile solution that expands our satellite tracking capabilities. As with all our IoT asset tracking solutions, it features low power, long life and is equipped to perform.”

GSatSolar is highly durable, heat and cold resistant, and minimally invasive regarding antenna performance. Its compact size makes it viable with several flexible mounting options to fit the needs across various enterprise industrial applications. With its solar panel and internal battery, a standard unit reports for years assuming an environment with regular sun exposure.

Data collection capabilities include location, accelerometer, and Bluetooth sensor options, with the option of having data forwarded either to Globalstar’s SPOT My Globalstar data management and mapping platform — with features such as live and historical tracking on demand, alerts, geofences and shared views—or directly to a VAR’s back office or customer endpoint.

The post Globalstar Introduces GSatSolar to its Industrial IoT Asset Tracking Portfolio appeared first on IoT Business News.

• Expanded Reach: OQ Technology’s NB-IoT services extend o2 Telefónica’s global reach to over 130 counties
• Boosting Connectivity: Aiming to connect in the range of seven (7) digits worth of SIMs to the OQ network by 2030, showcasing potential for massive scale deployment
• Cutting-Edge Infrastructure: Leveraging OQ’s 3GPP LEO constellation, O2 Telefónica enables 5G IoT connectivity for NB-IoT standards-compliant devices

OQ Technology, the first and fastest growing 5G IoT satellite operator, proudly announces the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with o2 Telefónica, ushering in a new era of global IoT Satellite connectivity.

Commencing in Q2 2024, o2 Telefónica will roll out global 5G roaming, enabling Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) solutions deployment worldwide. This collaboration empowers businesses with reliable IoT services, even in previously inaccessible areas.

OQ Technology’s satellite network integrates seamlessly with Telefónica IPX Cloud and Kite, o2 Telefónica’s award-winning IoT connectivity management platform, offering business customers real-time SIM card monitoring and control globally.

In collaboration with OQ Technology, o2 Telefónica offers a hybrid mobile satellite connectivity service, providing global IoT network coverage. The service data is transmitted securely to customers, requiring only a Service-Level Agreement with o2 Telefónica.

Leadership Perspectives:

Omar Qaise, Founder & CEO of OQ Technology: Expresses delight at the Telefónica partnership, marking a historic milestone and enabling o2 Telefónica users to access 5G IoT roaming services globally.

Nikolaos Kalivianakis, Director of Business Solutions at o2 Telefónica: Highlights the collaboration’s potential to enhance efficiency and productivity through OQ Technology’s global coverage and innovative satellite-based IoT connectivity.

New Business Opportunities:

Satellite connectivity unlocks IoT applications in areas where terrestrial networks face limitations. This includes connecting stationary IoT devices like agriculture sensors in remote areas and facilitating IoT applications across the world’s oceans.

New Service – IoT Data Ready:

In early 2024, Telefónica’s Kite platform introduces “IoT Data Ready,” simplifying NB-IoT data processing and acting as a bridge to traditional IT systems.

The post OQ Technology and o2 Telefónica Join Forces for Global 5G IoT Connectivity appeared first on IoT Business News.

“SpaceX’s move towards standards-based IoT solutions in the direct-to-device market reflects the industry’s shifting landscape from proprietary solutions to standardisation.”

SpaceX made its first-ever acquisition in August 2021 when it purchased Swarm Technologies, a start-up known for its early adoption of proprietary ultra-narrowband satellite IoT solutions; a move that signalled SpaceX’s intention to expand its capabilities and diversify its offerings to cater to a broader range of customers. However, Swarm’s announcement in July 2023 that it would cease selling new devices has raised eyebrows. Swarm’s decision appears to be directly linked to its parent company’s intention to shift the focus of its IoT strategy towards the direct-to-device/cell (D2D/C) market.

Why is this worth noting? In other verticals – specifically broadband access, enterprise, mobility, and government – that are using the Starlink offering, SpaceX is offering proprietary solutions, which has enabled it to scale rapidly. However, it would appear that integrating with telcos in the IoT market requires a different approach for achieving scale and success.

The move is not surprising to NSR, as this shift in direction towards standards-based solutions from proprietary ones aligns with the trend that was outlined in our recently released report, M2M and IoT via satellite, 14th edition report, that the number of in-service IoT units using 5G and standard-based protocols (for example, LoRa) is expected to grow rapidly in the next 10 years, reaching 39.3 million by 2032, out of a total market of 57.7 million devices (Figure 1).

The satellite direct-to-device ecosystem is taking shape … gradually

3GPP Release 17’s inclusion of non-terrestrial networks opens the door for direct-to-cell development, allowing IoT devices to communicate with satellite networks directly. Chipset manufacturers are working to integrate standards; for example, Mediatek has demonstrated its 3GPP NTN technology, and Qualcomm has launched new 3GPP modems. In March 2023, the FCC unveiled a proposed satellite direct-to-device regulatory framework, which will facilitate partnerships and collaboration between satellite operators and telecoms operators (telcos), as well as establish ground rules for market players. All these advances will promote the development and growth of the D2D ecosystem.

To seize the opportunities presented by this shift towards standardization, SpaceX has been forming partnerships with terrestrial network operators worldwide. Some recent examples include its partnership with T-Mobile to broaden coverage in the USA, and Optus for D2C coverage across Australia. These future integrations have primarily been marketed as opportunities for consumers to request emergency assistance and send text messages back and forth, but such partnerships are also ideal for narrowband IoT applications; these applications have a clear short-term value proposition for enterprises that crave 100% visibility on mobile assets.

One exciting prospect that could arise from SpaceX’s D2C vision is its potential to connect a wide array of devices and allow roaming to satellite networks, especially those that are mobile, moving in and out of terrestrial network coverage, like passenger vehicles. Elon Musk is known for his ambitious goals and SpaceX’s D2D initiatives could pave the way for connecting Tesla cars. Musk has previously noted that Tesla vehicles will not be line-fit to connect to the Starlink service, this was in the context of high-speed flat panel antenna connectivity – a much more expensive service to integrate into vehicles. Musk has since commented that SpaceX’s narrowband D2D initiative is much more suited to Tesla vehicles.

However, it is important to note that these partnerships will take time to actually implement. Bigger satellites are needed for this service, which in turn will need to be delivered by SpaceX’s larger Starship launch vehicle – the same one that was destroyed after a failed test flight in April this year. Consequently, SpaceX has not yet set a date for the satellite-to-cell service to be trialled, but it is likely to occur some time in 2024. In the meantime, other proprietary services are already moving in.

Proprietary solutions still have their place in the IoT ecosystem

From a technical perspective, there is no definitive conclusion as to which protocol strategy is better – using proprietary systems, 3GPP standards, or other standards-based systems such as LoRa. All have their advantages and disadvantages.

Proprietary protocols, whether deployed on small satellite constellations, or using leased mobile satellite service (MSS) capacity, do provide some advantages over standards-based protocols according to operators, which are mainly related to efficiencies and costs. Satellites can use highly efficient proprietary waveforms to handle billions of sensors on a single footprint, and therefore offer better economies of scale than current 3GPP standards.

This is in part due to the overhead in satellite-to-cellular and cellular-to-satellite hand-off on 5G 3GPP systems, which needs to be considered carefully, otherwise the data overhead could overwhelm networks. While 3GPP Release 17 improves this significantly, more needs to be done to make this a more seamless process. Some satellite operators are therefore already going beyond Release 17 in order to improve efficiency, and it is likely that such improvements will be incorporated into future releases.

For end users, deploying proprietary systems makes most sense when there is no terrestrial connectivity available (or it is just not needed), because the greater spectrum efficiency can potentially reduce the price down to single-digit dollars per year in some use cases.

For standards-based IoT solutions though, operators will need to strike a balance between backward compatibility and performance and regulatory certainty. Collaborative network planning and integration are also essential to ensure seamless integration of networks. If stakeholders come together and co-operate in ecosystems based on standards, this could maximise synergies between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. If this occurs, and more roaming agreements come into place, a high-growth scenario for the broader satellite IoT market could occur, resulting in almost 140 million in-service units in 2032 (Figure 2).

Other uncertainties will challenge business models including the revenue split between satellite operators, MNOs, IoT service providers, and other value-chain members. Any regulations and policies will also introduce elements of uncertainty.

Bottom line

SpaceX’s move towards standards-based IoT solutions in the direct-to-device market reflects the industry’s shifting landscape from proprietary solutions to standardization. This strategic move should position SpaceX to take advantage of the rapidly growing direct-to-device IoT market of the future while aligning with industry standards and trends. SpaceX should be well-positioned to play a pivotal role in the direct-to-device market by forming partnerships, leveraging standards and capitalizing on decreasing device prices.

Although a lot of uncertainties remain in the D2D market, going by the open standards route would simplify telco integration and increase market penetration. At the moment, proprietary solutions have the edge; but 5G standards will begin to outpace growth and market penetration by 2028 and this will continue in the long term. This market development is still 4 years away, but SpaceX is making a bet today that open standards will win over proprietary systems.

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Companies will Showcase the Plug-and-Play Capability for Seamless Real-time Connections across Europe at The Things Conference.

Today, EchoStar Mobile Limited, an EchoStar company, and The Things Industries announced a collaboration to deploy hybrid satellite and LoRa® Internet of Things (IoT) solutions to businesses across Europe.

The companies have incorporated EchoStar’s satellite IoT capabilities into The Things Stack, a reliable, cloud-based LoRaWAN network server, enabling customers to connect IoT devices for real-time, two-way communications over satellite or terrestrial networks using a dual-transport, generic node.

“With plug-and-play simplicity, this collaboration between EchoStar Mobile and The Things Network enables terrestrial and satellite transports to be integrated easily into the same node or module for IoT applications,” said Telemaco Melia, vice president and general manager, EchoStar Mobile.

“It’s a breakthrough that enables cost-effective IoT deployments with seamless coverage so customers can be sure their devices remain connected anytime, anywhere, within the service area – even in the most remote places.”

“LoRa technology has previously been confined by the limits of terrestrial infrastructure. EchoStar’s innovative, integrated approach to satellite connectivity breaks this barrier. Our collaboration provides all the key features of our generic node combined with the wide area reach of the EchoStar network to enable smooth, universal LoRaWAN access, wherever the user may be,” said Wienke Giezeman, CEO, The Things Industries.

The collaboration introduces satellite connectivity to The Things Stack LoRaWAN Network Server and its Generic Node Concept Edition, enabling customers to extend the reach and reliability of their connected IoT devices with one click. With the satellite capability – and a limited-time free trial for each device connected – businesses can effortlessly expand their IoT deployments to remote and challenging locations.

Last year, EchoStar Mobile unveiled its pan-European LoRa-enabled IoT network, which is now delivering bi-directional, real-time LoRa connectivity for customers across Europe. Integration with The Things Stack Cloud propels this offering to a global scale, powering multi-country service continuity for customers in sectors such as utilities, transportation, logistics and agritech.

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Friction-free, global IoT connectivity reduces costs and operational overhead.

Today, emnify the leader in cloud-native IoT connectivity solutions, and Skylo, a global software-defined non-terrestrial network (NTN) operator focusing on connecting everything, everywhere, announce an industry-first convergence of satellite and cellular IoT connectivity from a single emnify SIM.

Partnering with leading module manufacturer, Murata, the companies are expanding the next generation of IoT connectivity to space. The combination of emnify’s cloud-native, mobile core technology and direct IoT cellular access with providers around the globe, with Skylo’s NTN satellite access, provides seamless, intelligent, friction-free, network IoT connectivity.

The emnify IoT SuperNetwork, the industry’s first cloud-native IoT connectivity service with direct access to over 540 cellular networks in over 180 countries, provides access to Skylo’s satellite NTN services, marking the first and only single SIM access to global IoT connectivity on terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks. This innovation drastically reduces the operational cost and complexity of adding satellite connectivity, delivering on the promise of converged IoT connectivity to meet the needs of scaling IoT businesses, regardless of geographical challenges or local network infrastructure limitations.

“Our collaboration with Skylo underscores our commitment to expanding the SuperNetwork to create new opportunities and open new markets for IoT businesses everywhere,” said Frank Stoecker, CEO and emnify founder.

“The addition of satellite connectivity exemplifies the power of the SuperNetwork to go beyond traditional networks to provide dedicated IoT connectivity with truly global reach.”

Skylo, the leader in satellite connectivity, shares in the excitement. “We are thrilled to partner with emnify to offer friction-free access to NTN, ensuring that businesses are always connected for critical needs,” said Parthsarathi Trivedi, CEO and Skylo co-founder. “This innovation in IoT connectivity provides new levels of reliability and device availability, expanding IoT’s reach to previously inaccessible areas, and bringing new use cases to life.”

“It’s critical that IoT customers have reliable, cost-effective, integrated hardware solutions to take advantage of innovations in IoT connectivity,” said Mehul Udani, Vice President Corporate Technology and Innovation for Murata. “Murata’s combined cellular and NTN radio modules provide a breakthrough in offering converged connectivity around the globe.”

Transformative use cases highlight converged IoT connectivity potential

Remote Monitoring Systems

In remote regions lacking traditional infrastructure, the unparalleled reach of the SuperNetwork with Skylo’s NTN satellite connectivity will enable reliable monitoring of water resources. The SuperNetwork ensures that sensors always use the appropriate network in their location.

According to Matt Trumbo, Director of Product Management for In-Situ, “For our markets, NTN effectively means you can use your cellular devices anywhere – no worrying about coverage, no hassles with local providers and network compatibility. It’s the benefits of traditional satellite data providers at an order of magnitude less in cost and in power consumption. NTN will completely alter how we partner with our customers to create decision-quality information.”

Asset Tracking

The SuperNetwork’s advanced reach and reliability with Skylo’s NTN satellite connectivity is necessary to enable breakthrough use cases and opportunities in asset tracking. High value assets are often stationed permanently or temporarily in remote, previously unconnected areas. Powered by a single emnify SIM, IoT tracking devices and sensors provide continuous data to monitor equipment location, movement and critical telemetry needed for services such as predictive maintenance, usage optimization, and security.

“We’re excited about the possibility of merging satellite and cellular connectivity for GPS tracking in remote and rural areas. It’s a compelling solution that extends our tracking capabilities to places where conventional cell networks can’t reach. This innovation not only broadens our service coverage but also ensures connectivity in the most remote locations, enhancing the reliability of our GPS tracking solutions,” said Adam Ben Jacob Director of Sales, Support & Technology for OneStep GPS. “Our team is eager to dive into testing and deployment.”

New SuperNetwork Eval Program

emnify and Skylo are offering a new evaluation program for customers interested in deploying converged cellular and satellite connectivity. This program will allow selected participants to work directly with emnify and Skylo to test their use cases and the capabilities of the SuperNetwork to jumpstart their converged IoT connectivity transformation with hands-on support and guidance from a team of IoT experts.

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Iridium Communications Inc., a leading provider of global voice and data satellite communications, announced today that Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG), a leading global heavy original equipment manufacturer (OEM), will deploy Iridium® IoT services on its global fleet of heavy equipment, starting with excavators and expanding to loaders and crane trucks as needed.

XCMG will utilize Iridium’s global network to maintain critical connectivity with their heavy equipment in key strategic locations including Australia, Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa, and Central Asia.

XCMG has chosen Iridium Edge®, a cost-effective, plug-and-play satellite IoT terminal, as it complements terrestrial-based solutions to create a highly reliable connectivity experience worldwide and simplifies implementing Iridium IoT services on their fleet. With easy integration, XCMG can rapidly deploy the terminals to their heavy equipment, allowing them to understand asset condition and performance, efficiently address customer needs, and save on development costs and time to market.

“As a world class OEM, XCMG continues to demonstrate their forward-thinking approach and innovation in the heavy equipment industry,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium.

“By leveraging Iridium’s truly global, weather-resilient satellite connectivity on their machinery, XCMG is enabling a better user experience with advanced, cutting-edge solutions to their customers worldwide.”

The post Iridium Provides Global Connectivity for XCMG Heavy Equipment appeared first on IoT Business News.

According to a new research report from specialist IoT analyst firm Berg Insight, the global satellite IoT communications market is growing at a good steady pace.

The global satellite IoT subscriber base grew to surpass 4.5 million in 2022. The number of satellite IoT subscribers will increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39.6 percent to reach 23.9 million units in 2027.

Only about 10 percent of the Earth’s surface has access to terrestrial connectivity services which leaves a massive opportunity for satellite IoT communications. Satellite connectivity provides a complement to terrestrial cellular and non-cellular networks in remote locations, especially useful for applications in agriculture, asset tracking, maritime and intermodal transportation, oil and gas industry exploration, utilities, construction and governments. Both incumbent satellite operators and more than two dozen new initiatives are now betting on the IoT connectivity market. This new study covers a total of 44 satellite IoT operators.

“Iridium, Orbcomm, Inmarsat and Globalstar are the largest satellite IoT network operators today”, says Johan Fagerberg, Principal Analyst at Berg Insight. Iridium grew its subscriber base by 20 percent in the last year and reached the number one spot serving 1.5 million subscribers.

Originally a dedicated satellite operator, Orbcomm has transitioned into an end-to-end solution provider, delivering services on its own satellite network as well as being a reseller partner of Inmarsat and others. At the end of Q4-2022, the company had 1.1 million satellite IoT subscribers on its own and Inmarsat’s networks. At the same time Globalstar reached 0.44 million subscribers. Other players with connections in the tens of thousands include for instance Myriota in Australia, Kineis in France and Thuraya in the UAE.

In addition to the incumbent satellite operators a number of new initiatives have appeared on the market recently. Examples of some high-profile projects are Astrocast, AST SpaceMobile, CASC/CASIC, E-Space, Fleet Space Technologies, Hubble Network, Kepler Communications, Kineis, Ligado Networks, Lynk, Myriota, Omnispace, Skylo, Swarm Technologies (SpaceX) and Totum. Many of these are based on low-earth orbit nano satellite concepts.

While some rely on proprietary satellite connectivity technologies to support IoT devices, several are starting to leverage terrestrial wireless IoT connectivity technologies including OQ Technology, AST SpaceMobile, Omnispace, Sateliot, Galaxy Space, Ligado Networks, Lynk, Skylo and Starlink (3GPP 4G/5G); EchoStar Mobile, Fossa Systems, Lacuna Space, Innova Space and Eutelsat (LoRaWAN); and Hubble Network (Bluetooth).

Mr Fagerberg concludes:

“Collaborations between satellite operators and mobile operators that explore new hybrid satellite-terrestrial connectivity opportunities will become common in the next years and recent examples include Telefónica & Sateliot, Deutsche Telekom & Intelsat/Skylo and Soracom & Astrocast.”

The post The global satellite IoT subscriber base to reach 23.9 million by 2027 appeared first on IoT Business News.

The end-to-end test, the first-ever to extend a cellular network roaming to space, has been supervised by the European Space Agency and conducted in partnership with Telefónica.

Sateliot, the first company to operate a Low-Earth orbit (LEO) 5G IoT satellite constellation, and Telefónica -through its Telefónica Tech and Telefónica Global Solutions (TGS) divisions- have successfully extended the reach of the 5G network to space for the first time in the history of telecommunications, paving the way for massive access to connectivity everywhere in the planet.

The achievement has been successfully tested end-to-end by providing satellite coverage extension to Telefónica’s cellular network through standard GSMA roaming. The test was witnessed by the European Space Agency.

Sateliot showcased the end-to-end transmission over Telefónica’s network using a regular SIM card provisioned on the Kite platform of Telefónica Tech on an IoT cellular device, seamlessly switching it to Sateliot network. The test demonstrated successfully that a standard roaming connection can be authenticated by the Telefónica core through Sateliot networks.

The test also featured the innovative ‘Store & Forward’ implementation, a two step authentication method developed and patented by Sateliot, created to support standard roaming with a Mobile Network Operator and adapted to the Non-Terrestrial Network in low earth orbit (NTN LEO).

Antonio Franchi, Head of Space for 5G and 6G Strategic Programme at the European Space Agency, says:

“Sateliot has achieved an important milestone by successfully demonstrating the integration of Low-Earth orbit and NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) with roaming capabilities in Store&Forward mode, along with two-step authentication into a 5G cellular network.”

“This significant achievement marks a disruptive advancement in the realm of standard satellite IoT services. The successful integration of these technologies paves the way for the digitalization of the world, revolutionizing how we harness satellite capabilities for the benefit of global connectivity and communication.”

No more out-of-reach coverage for IoT devices

The Store & Forward technology is part of a Sateliot 5G network with satellite access that stores data when the satellite is not in position to connect with a ground station and forwards it as entering the coverage range. This is a particularly relevant feature for Sateliot’s delay-tolerant IoT services for its early-stage constellation, in which the number of satellites is still limited.

The positive results of the demo confirm that 5G IoT devices are able to transmit data through a standard roaming interface using the Store & Forward two step authentication method, ensuring Sateliot entering commercial operations in 2024.

The positive results of the test validate the further agreements between Sateliot and several stakeholders to improve millions of lives worldwide. Some case studies where Sateliot’s application is relevant include the support of 43 million Americans reliant on private water wells, the generation of millions of dollars in savings in maintenance and repairs costs for shipping companies, the assistance to South African livestock owners in their fight to stop poaching and improve herd control, and the provision of a much more precise crop-monitoring system to farmers worldwide.

Starting in 2024, Telefonica will be the first MNO to provide to their customers with a NB-IoT everywhere-in-the-planet connectivity through a seamless combination of cellular and satellite standard NB-IoT network and with inexpensive commercial standard NB-IoT devices.

Marco Guadalupi, CTO of Sateliot, says: “This is the culmination of years of studies and developments of our Store & Forward two-step authentication procedure that gives Sateliot a unique position to establish roaming extension for NB-IoT NTN delay tolerant applications. We are in front of a game changer in future 3GPP networks that will reduce costs based on low density constellations and reduced ground segment infrastructure, minimizing the impact in space and reducing time to market. It is very exciting to see where we are and what we have accomplished. The IoT industry is clearly headed toward the standard, and we are thrilled to enable it.”

Carlos Carazo, Technology & Technical Operations Director of IoT and Big Data at Telefónica Tech, said: “This is a very important milestone for the industry in which Telefónica natively integrates the satellite network with the NB-IoT networks of Telefónica and Kite, the managed IoT connectivity platform developed by Telefónica Tech with which the customer can control and monitor their power lines in real time and remotely from anywhere in the world through a web portal or via APIs”.

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Airbus partnership extension reaffirms commitment to support Astrocast’s SatIoT technology roadmap, reinforcing Astrocast’s position as the leading provider of cost-effective and reliable satellite IoT solutions.

Astrocast, a leading satellite IoT operator, announces the extension of its partnership with Airbus Defence and Space (Airbus), a global leader in the aerospace industry.

This partnership enhances the capabilities of satellite Internet of Things (SatIoT) technology. It enables Astrocast to further increase its network capacity to provide the most reliable and cost-effective SatIoT solutions to its customers.

In recent years, the collaboration between Airbus and Astrocast has been instrumental to Astrocast. Since 2017 this relationship has enabled Astrocast to develop its communication protocol and modem software stack more effectively. This forms a core part of Astocast’s wider SatIoT technology. In building upon this successful collaboration, both companies have agreed to extend their partnership. Airbus will continue to provide extensive support to Astrocast, focusing on further enhancing both the Bandwidth and the Quality of Service.

The reliability and quality of Astrocast’s SatIoT connectivity is already well recognized by the market since its commercial launch in 2022. Many organisations are currently benefiting from it. This includes the EU’s CiRROCCO initiative, the EU’s XGain initiative, and the likes of Avirtech, Digitanimal and ArrowSpot, to mention a few. Through this partnership with Airbus, Astrocast expects to continue capitalising on their shared technological successes and further enhance SatIoT Bandwidth and Quality of Service for all customers. This will allow them to benefit from a continuous improvement of data transmission capacity, efficiency, latency and security. Customers will, in turn, be able to further optimize their operational efficiency according to their needs.

“Through this partnership extension, Airbus reaffirms its commitment to Astrocast’s technology roadmap and its leadership in the SatIoT space. This collaboration also lays the important foundation for potential convergences with the future 5G NTN IoT communications standards that are currently in discussion for LEO constellations. In time, these enhanced capabilities for collecting and exchanging critical data with IoT assets from multiple applications will benefit users across various key industries worldwide. Astrocast is not only poised to address these challenges, its roadmap is designed to take them head on for the industry. Therefore, we’re excited about working together and achieving more success,” says François Gaullier – SVP Telecommunications and Navigation Systems – Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Airbus and leverage its unique expertise in advanced satellite IoT technology,” says Fabien Jordan, CEO of Astrocast.

“This collaboration reinforces our commitment to continuing to provide our customers with the most reliable and efficient SatIoT connectivity solutions on the market. With Airbus’s support, we will further solidify Astrocast’s position as the go-to satellite IoT operator.”

This extended partnership between Airbus and Astrocast strengthens the strategic technology collaboration between the two companies, and will bring critical benefits to their customers, and the SatIoT sector. It exemplifies Astrocast’s strong commitment to its customers — and continuous enhancement of its core technologies, that continue providing end-users the most reliable and cost-effective SatIoT solutions on the market today. Furthermore, it underscores the strong confidence Airbus places in Astrocast’s capabilities, as they work together to jointly push the boundaries of satellite IoT.

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Collaboration joins Skylo 3GPP NTN connectivity to Soracom’s cloud-native IoT platform.

Soracom, Inc., a global provider of advanced Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, today announced a new strategic partnership with Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) service operator Skylo Technologies.

This collaboration promises customers building IoT solutions and M2M devices access to Skylo’s leading direct-to-device 3GPP NTN connectivity, along with the advanced capability of Soracom’s fully-virtualized cellular platform.

The combination of NTN-based NB-IoT connectivity and cloud-based IoT network management represents the next generation of IoT connectivity: highly available, highly affordable, ubiquitous, and deeply integrated with the hyperscale cloud platforms that serve as the backbone of today’s IoT. Soracom’s fully virtualized global platform provides full MVNO capability paired with powerful connectivity management tools.

Since 2021, Soracom has offered unified, “single pane of glass” management for connectivity options from cellular and LPWA to Wi-Fi and satellite. In 2022, Soracom added native support for satellite messaging capability, allowing customers to manage satellite IoT devices and billing directly through the Soracom platform. Skylo’s satellite NTN lets chipsets, modems, modules, and devices designed for terrestrial networks to connect via existing satellites using the global 3GPP Release 17 standard.

While the network is grounded in 3GPP specifications, much of the development of the network operates on what Skylo refers to as the “Standards Plus” approach. Skylo’s engineers add additional technical specifications to improve the functionality, interoperability, and ubiquity of the satellite-based network over and above the 3GPP standards, delivering an exceptional user experience. In combining Soracom protocol conversion and authentication offloading features, the customer can also minimize the amount of data transmitted over the satellite link while maintaining integration with a cloud service of their choice.

“Soracom is committed to a cloud-native future where anything can connect to the cloud from anywhere, without compromising availability, affordability, or capability,” said Kenta Yasukawa, CTO and Co-Founder of Soracom. “Combining breakthrough NTN NB-IoT network, we can enable customers to add satellite coverage to their existing hardware with minimal data overhead for hyperscaler cloud integrations.”

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Soracom, as its expertise aligns with our mission to connect the unconnected,” said Dr. Andrew Nuttall, CTO and Co-Founder of Skylo.

“Together, we are empowering businesses and industries to unlock the full potential of IoT, regardless of their location or infrastructure constraints, enabling real-time data access, monitoring, and control in areas not currently served by cellular connectivity.”

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Sateliot^* is joining European-backed ETHER, a $3.5 million project backed by the European Commission to develop solutions for a groundbreaking, cutting-edge telecommunications network.

This network will positively impact over 25 million European citizens, who, until now, have remained marginalized from the opportunities that Internet access provides for social and economic prosperity.

ETHER, standing for “Self-evolving terrestrial/non-terrestrial hybrid networks”, is powered by rapidly-emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. Sateliot will provide ETHER with its nanosatellite constellation, setting a base for standardization and interoperability between its network in space and the network in the ground through the implementation of a Unified Radio Access Network (RAN), and a 3D ‘Network of Networks’.

The ETHER Project will provide the necessary framework for this new 6G terrestrial/non-terrestrial network ecosystem, which also involves an AI and machine learning efficient zero-touch base, in order to build that ‘Network of Networks’ by using functioning and projected telecommunication networks in earth, air, and space, as the above mentioned Sateliot’s non-terrestrial network. This framework will be used as a baseline for the future of telecommunications, benefitting rural, unconnected areas all over the world, as it is estimated that 15% of the earth doesn’t have cellular connectivity. Therefore, industries such as agriculture, logistics, maritime transportation, and others, will be hugely benefited

The AI-based framework used by ETHER is projected to self-evolve the segmented management and orchestration of the integrated network. One of ETHER project goals is to demonstrate the viability of the unified network of networks, identifying the key benefits that will drive investment in this integration of non-terrestrial with terrestrial networks. Furthermore, this ‘Network of Networks’, built up with terrestrial and space networks, along with the use of AI and machine learning, is to be the ultimate tool to bring 5G and 6G connectivity to rural and uncovered areas.

Marco Guadalupi, Sateliot CTO and co-founder: “By entering the project, Sateliot is crossing a threshold, as we are marching in the frontline of network integration. ETHER is an ambitious project for the magnitude of joining several networks and the use of AI and Machine Learning, whose effects on our society and the industry are more tangible today than ever before. We have already witnessed what developed AIs, like ChatGPT or Midjourney, are capable of doing at a user level.”

ETHER is a project funded by the Smart Networks and Services Joint Undertaking (SNS JU), which, under the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation program, aims to ensure industrial leadership for Europe in 5G and 6G.

The SNS JU is jointly funded by private industry and the EU, and it boasts a €1.8 billion budget for the 2021-27 period. An EU contribution of €900 million will be, at the very least, matched by the private members. The SNS JU provides financial support in the form of R&I grants to participants following open and competitive calls.

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EchoStar Corporation announced today that seven leading European Internet of Things (IoT) service providers have signed multi-year commercial agreements to develop and sell IoT solutions using EchoStar Mobile’s Pan-European, satellite based, LoRa®-enabled IoT network.

The customers, API-K, Cyric, DalesLandNet, Dryad, Galaxy1, ProEsys and Symes are leveraging the real-time network to enable massive IoT deployments for applications such as outdoor personal geo-safety, soil moisture monitoring, ultra-early forest fire detection, utility metering and pipeline monitoring.

“We thank these innovative customers for choosing the EchoStar Mobile IoT network to meet their requirements for real-time, bi-directional sensor connectivity across agritech, utility, consumer recreational tracking and environmental markets,” said Telemaco Melia, vice president and general manager, EchoStar Mobile.

“These deployments validate our customer value proposition by integrating seamlessly into the existing IoT ecosystem, achieving ubiquitous service continuity for our customers without requiring expensive terrestrial infrastructure.”

Compatible with Semtech Corporation’s LoRa-enabled wireless platform for device connectivity, the powerful, geostationary, EchoStar XXI S-band satellite delivers pervasive, two-way connectivity seamlessly across Europe without requiring roaming agreements across geographies. To add the satellite capability to their IoT solutions, customers can upgrade existing commercially deployed devices easily with the low power and compact EchoStar Mobile EM2050 dual-mode satellite-terrestrial module.

EchoStar Mobile Limited is the EchoStar subsidiary in Europe that operates a mobile satellite system (MSS) network using the geostationary EchoStar XXI satellite. Globally, EchoStar is developing an S-band constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, called EchoStar Lyra, to support Internet of Things connectivity as the company explores development of a global non-terrestrial 5G network in the S-band.

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Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, has today unveiled its latest innovation in satellite communications, the CC660D-LS module, designed specifically to ensure comprehensive global coverage for seamless connectivity.

The CC660D-LS module offers versatile connectivity options, including L-band, S-band, and Band 23 connections. In addition, the module supports 3GPP Release 17 IoT non-terrestrial network (IoT-NTN) connections. With reliable connectivity a priority, the CC660D-LS module addresses this need by supporting two-way communication. It facilitates not only data transmission but also SMS SOS functionality, allowing emergency notifications when needed. Additionally, the module support IP and Non-IP service network, ensuring enhanced connectivity and service availability.

The module also boasts remarkably low power consumption through the implementation of various power-saving modes. These modes include discontinuous reception (DRX), extended DRX (eDRX), and power-saving mode (PSM), enabling efficient energy management. Measuring 17.7mm x 15.8mm x 2.0mm, the CC660D-LS features Quectel Enhanced AT Commands, supports SIM/eSIM and offers embedded Internet service protocols, enabling low latency satellite connectivity via UART communication interface.

“We’re delighted to announce the Quectel CC660D-LS satellite communication module which will provide global coverage to a wide range of connected devices,” said Norbert Muhrer, CSO and President, Quectel Wireless Solutions.

“The module supports IoT-NTN connections enabling efficient data communications for low bandwidth applications anywhere on the planet. We’re proud of the CC660D-LS module’s low power consumption and its capability to support deployments regardless of their location.”

The module is highly versatile and can be effectively utilized across various industries, particularly those that traditionally struggle to maintain connectivity due to remote locations such as mining, smart grids and oil and gas pipeline monitoring. It is also well-suited for applications in the transportation sector to enable as vehicle, asset, chassis, and container tracking and additionally offers great potential for deployment in smart agriculture, environmental monitoring, heavy equipment monitoring, and construction fleet management. Additionally, the module has valuable applications in the maritime sector, including vessel connection and maritime buoys. This further expands its reach and usefulness in diverse maritime operations.

Engineering samples of the Quectel CC660D-LS are currently available, and the module is currently going through the CE and FCC certification processes with mass production scheduled for Q4 2023.

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Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) and G+D subsidiary Pod Group have agreed to cooperate with Sateliot, the 5G satellite operator headquartered in San Diego.

This will enable G+D to offer users of its IoT services true global coverage. Whenever a terrestrial cellular connection is unavailable, roaming to a satellite network is automatic.

As a provider of cellular IoT connectivity, G+D subsidiary Pod Group already connects numerous devices across the planet. However, there are areas where there is no or only limited coverage with mobile networks, for example, at sea or in remote or rural areas. G+D is now closing this coverage gap by cooperating with service provider Sateliot, which provides 5G satellite connectivity for IoT.

Sateliot is the first provider to operate a low earth orbit (LEO) network that uses identical technologies for satellite and cellular connectivity. Unlike other solution approaches, this makes satellite connectivity available at a low cost by extending the coverage foot print of MNOs and MVNOS through standard roaming integration. The LEO network will consist of a number of nanosatellites with 5G coverage for NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) in NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network). The first of five nanosatellites this year was sent into space on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on April 15, 2023. Sateliot planning calls for an expansion to 64 nanosatellites in 2024 and 250 in 2025.

Global coverage in G+D’s IoT service offering will be ensured in the future by Sateliot’s satellite-based IoT connectivity and G+D Pod’s cellular mobile network for IoT devices. The IoT devices automatically switch from cellular to satellite communication when needed, without the user noticing. The devices are equipped with G+D’s SIM-technology. In principle, classic pluggable SIM cards, eSIMs (embedded SIMs) or iSIMs (integrated SIMs) can be used here.

The iSIM solutions offer users the greatest benefits. They are characterized by low space requirements, optimized energy consumption, and low costs. In addition, iSIMs score highly in terms of sustainability, which is ensured by the absence of any requirement for SIM slots, additional housings or use of plastic. iSIMs are therefore increasingly the first choice for secure IoT connectivity in NB-IoT applications.

Users can conveniently manage the SIMs and control all IoT activities via the Pod IoT Suite. They can use it, for example, to analyze data, identify efficiency potential or read off costs.

The potential range of applications for G+D’s new solution and service offering, which will be commercially available from the beginning of 2024, is far-reaching: conceivable applications include asset tracking, metering, smart farming and massive IoT applications in general.

“The IoT market is growing dynamically, and with our leading IoT solutions, we already provide global connectivity and efficient lifecycle management for IoT applications. The issue of connectivity always remains a challenge. Thanks to our cooperation with Sateliot, we are now opening a new chapter here. Problems with poor network coverage and dead spots will be a thing of the past, thanks to the parallel use of satellite communication. That’s why we also see great market potential for the world’s first iSIM that uses both mobile networks and LEO-based satellite networks,” explains Philipp Schulte, Head of Connectivity and IoT at G+D.

“Currently, non-terrestrial networks with proprietary technology offered by satellite operators can only connect to equipment from the same company. This exclusivity increases costs and limits access,” points out Gianluca Redolfi, CCO of Sateliot.

“Sateliot’s new technology allows all users to seamlessly and cost-effectively connect to the satellite network whenever they need coverage. This means that any NB-IoT device supporting NTN can effortlessly connect to satellite or cellular networks. We expect this to massively drive the adoption of IoT even in the most remote areas.”

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The world-class satellite positioning service will be delivered on one of Inmarsat’s three new I-8 satellites from 2027.

Every major industry across Australia and New Zealand, from transport and construction to resources and agriculture, will gain positioning and navigation benefits from the Southern Positioning Augmentation Network’s (SouthPAN) new satellite service.

With the signing of a contract with Inmarsat Australia for the new service on one of Inmarsat’s three new I-8 satellites, SouthPAN partners Geoscience Australia and Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand are one step closer to world-class satellite positioning for the southern hemisphere.

SouthPAN provides accurate, reliable and instant positioning services across all of Australia and New Zealand’s land and maritime zones without the need for mobile phone or internet coverage. It will improve positioning accuracy to as little as 10 centimetres. Early Open Services have been available since September 2022.

Signals will begin broadcasting services from the Inmarsat-8 satellite which will cover the Asia Pacific region, commencing from 2027. The satellites will provide redundancy and resilience in SouthPAN to ensure continuous broadcast of signals, enabling the development and use of critical applications relying on its highly accurate positioning. An additional satellite service will also be procured.

These satellites will also be a critical part of a safety-of-life-certified SouthPAN for aviation and other applications, scheduled for 2028. These services will be accessed or used by end users engaged in operations where life could be at risk, like landing an aircraft.

Todd McDonell, President, Inmarsat Global Government, said:

“SouthPAN represents extraordinary potential for the region. It can save lives by enabling precision safety tracking, help farmers improve productivity through automated device tracking, or even support transport management systems of the future. We have a long history providing services for Governments in the moments that matter most, and we are delighted that our Inmarsat-8 satellites will continue that legacy well into the 2040’s.”

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The value of pollination in the world approaches $500 billion; however, only 15% of beehives are currently monitored.

Sateliot, the first company to operate a low-Earth orbit (LEO) nanosatellite constellation with 5G standard, will deliver standard satellite connectivity for the Internet of Things (NB-IoT) to Beewaze’s beehive monitoring solutions to boost world food security, thanks to an agreement reached with S4IoT.

BeeWaze is a Chilean company born with the purpose of saving bees and strengthening global food security through online monitoring of beehives and pollination. Thanks to an alliance with S4IoT, more beekeepers and farmers can use BeeWaze’s solution.

Crisis in Food Security

The significant decrease in bee, butterfly, and other pollinator populations in recent decades directly threatens food security; around 87% of global crop production depends to a greater or lesser extent on pollination. The value of pollination in the world approaches $500 billion. However, only 15% of beehives are currently monitored.

According to studies by entities such as the FAO and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), pollination by vigorous beehives has a positive impact on crops: citrus, for example, can increase production by up to 40%, while blueberries and avocados can increase production by up to 90%.

BeeWaze, technology for productive and sustainable agriculture and beekeeping

BeeWaze technology allows beekeepers to monitor the temperature, weight, and humidity of beehives online, as well as the conditions and weather forecasts of the exact location where they are located. Likewise, during crop flowering, agricultural producers can monitor the pollination process with updated information on bee flow per minute and per day (pollination monitoring).

Thanks to this agreement, many beekeepers and rural producers with great agricultural potential but without internet access will benefit from Sateliot’s 5G non-terrestrial networks (NTN); in this way, they can take advantage of online monitoring to know the status of their beehives. Farmers, for their part, can verify the activity of the beehives contracted to pollinate their crops, reducing time and costs dedicated to field visits.

More and better connection

Until now, connecting to legacy satellite operators involved high costs because it required buying additional hardware, such as antennas and signal receivers. Sateliot is the first satellite operator to leverage the 3GPP standard protocol, which is already the norm for any MNO or MVNO for their terrestrial cellular networks. This means any connected IoT device can seamlessly switch to the satellite when the cellular network is unavailable. Sateliot is easing the path by signing standard roaming agreements with the user’s current operators at a price very similar to that of regular mobile networks, and all that without the need for a second SIM card.

Jaume Sanpera, CEO of Sateliot, explains the impact of this technology on beehive monitoring:

“Our standard IoT connectivity of NTN can eliminate the burden of beehive monitoring in rural areas. We provide affordable and more reliable technology along with the commitment to help beekeepers save their bees, which are a very important part of our ecosystem and the basis of the food chain worldwide.”

Onofre Tamargo, CEO of S4IoT, highlights the benefits of the partnership: “We are happy to partner with Sateliot and provide a viable alternative for beekeepers to track beehives, thus avoiding the death of colonies by pesticides and intruders. This is further proof that technology can be good for agriculture and our food system.”

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The agreement will see enterprise customers gain operational advantages through proven, reliable satellite connectivity services.

Inmarsat, a world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has announced FreeWave Technologies – a leading Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider – as a Distribution Partner for its L-band satellite IoT services.

The partnership, signed at this week’s IoT Tech Expo in Santa Clara, California, will focus on the integration of Inmarsat’s IsatData Pro (IDP) service in FreeWave’s end-to-end IoT solutions, initially with standalone hardware terminals, with a view to integrating IDP core modules into IoT hardware and assets in the future.

IDP is a two-way, real-time, non-IP messaging service that is used globally to connect mission-critical assets in remote locations where regular terrestrial connectivity is limited or non-existent. IDP is enabled by Inmarsat’s ELERA geostationary L-band satellite network, with ultra-reliable performance and robust network security.

The agreement will provide FreeWave’s customers with reliable, cost-effective and scalable connectivity solutions to meet their mission critical IoT demands across global industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, and utilities. The new relationship will also support the IoT uses of businesses operating in the environmental tracking space – including earthquake and flooding monitoring firms.

Jat Brainch, Chief Commercial and Digital Officer, Inmarsat, said:

“We’re excited to be welcoming FreeWave as an Inmarsat Distribution Partner. FreeWave is an established name in the IoT market and we are looking forward to collaborating with them to build customer-centric solutions as we both look to grow our IoT footprint.”

“We are particularly focused on the positive sustainable outcomes we believe this partnership can provide FreeWave’s customers. After all, you cannot manage what you cannot measure, and we believe solutions that enable better automation and digitalisation of the data capture process to collect granular, real-time results are increasingly essential to achieving our collective Net Zero goals in the future.”

Jeff Horton, Chief Revenue Officer at FreeWave, said: “We are delighted to become an Inmarsat Distribution Partner. Inmarsat’s bi-directional IsatData Pro service is unique in the marketplace and perfectly suited the needs of our customers. We look forward to working closely with the Inmarsat team over the coming months to grow our market share in the satellite IoT space.”

“Sustainability is on the minds of all our clients. Now, being able to offer satellite connectivity that is suited for a myriad of applications will keep their remote devices providing the critical data they need to make better informed business decisions. We are now able to give them trusted connectivity from Inmarsat that complements our comprehensive offer from data collection to a data platform serving data driven insights for enhanced decision making. We are truly excited for what’s still to come from this partnership.”

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The future of IIoT connectivity is up in the air — literally. Space is the new frontier for IIoT connectivity, as satellite connectivity is fast becoming the networking solution of choice for many industrial use cases.

IIoT, or the industrial internet of things, refers to an ever-expanding ecosystem of sensors, networking equipment, and analytics, which work together to collect, transmit, and analyze data from “things” used in industrial operations. Data transmissions from industrial assets help guide business decisions or automatically trigger actions.

For example, in agriculture, IIoT-enabled irrigation systems monitor soil moisture levels, weather forecasts, and other data points to help growers determine the best time to water, or the IIoT solution can automatically activate sprinklers without human intervention if programmed to do so. When talking about satellites, this two-way communication reveals the next-generation tech for remote operations.

First, though, let’s take a quick glance back.

What Satellite Connectivity Means for People in Remote Areas

Traditionally, IIoT has mostly relied on cellular connectivity and other terrestrial solutions for data transmission, but as IIoT continues its push into underserved locations — from remote grazing pastures in Colorado to offshore oil platforms in the Pacific Ocean — cellular solutions pose some serious limitations.

Connecting people, not things, is the foundational purpose of cellular infrastructure development, so in sparsely populated or remote areas, cellular service may be limited or even surprisingly unavailable.

While other non-cellular connectivity solutions exist, for certain circumstances, satellites are becoming a more viable solution, offering distinct advantages.

Competition is driving rapid innovation in the IIoT satellite space even as it drives down costs. As a result, companies that previously encountered lack-of-coverage or cost barriers with the various terrestrial networking options now have an affordable IIoT connectivity solution in the form of satellite — with cost savings between four and 20 times what they once might have paid.

Satellite connections are, by definition, wireless and don’t require remote operators to install fixed lines — DSL lines or coaxial cable — for data transmission. This added flexibility gives companies the freedom to scale their IIoT applications quickly and easily as their needs and business goals evolve. For example, a major agriculture company with an expanding customer base in remote parts of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile announced it will use satellite connectivity to operate autonomously driven tractors in those countries.

In these remote areas with no cellular or Wi-Fi coverage, real-time communication through satellite connectivity allows farmers to stop and start the tractors and other unmanned equipment, monitor the equipment’s performance, and determine what to do when a tractor encounters an obstacle — all through an app-based control panel from afar.

Meet LEO and GEO

Not all satellites are created equal, however. There are three common satellite types: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, and Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO) satellites. LEO and GEO represent the two altitudinal extremes and are most commonly used for IIoT connectivity.

LEO satellites are smaller and orbit closer to the Earth, so launching them is less expensive. LEO satellites circle the earth several times a day, so multiples are needed to fly in succession over the target geographic area in order to provide consistent coverage and avoid dataflow disruptions. The ground equipment needed to monitor and maintain LEO satellite constellations is also extensive.

GEO satellites — a type of geosynchronous orbit (GSO) satellite — also orbit the earth, but they do so along the equator in the same direction and at the same rate the earth is spinning. Hence, from our vantage point, a GEO satellite looks like it’s standing still since it is always above the same location.

Its daily orbit notwithstanding, a GEO satellite, for all intents and purposes, stays “parked” above the area that needs coverage. Since GEO satellites are continuously visible, ground station tracking is not required, and their greater height offers substantially more geographic coverage; in fact, only three GEO satellites can provide whole-earth coverage.

LEO satellites and GEO satellites both have their place in IIoT connectivity. With less distance for signals to travel, LEO satellite solutions historically have offered lower latency rates and higher bandwidth capabilities, although newer GEO satellite solutions offer these capabilities now, as well, with a signal-bounce delay of about one-quarter of a second.

The end user’s needs, business goals, and budget will determine which IIoT satellite solution is best. We’re seeing an increasing need for two key requirements for satellite connectivity — real-time or near real-time data transmission and two-way communications.

Can Satellite Connectivity for Remote Operations Minimize the Impact of Catastrophes?

Environmental catastrophes happen more frequently than we are even aware of. Being able to positively impact a critical issue before it happens is certainly the goal of many.

IIoT and its network-connected sensors and dataflow provides the catalyst for alarming and alerting to help alleviate the impacts of disastrous situations whether they be natural phenomenon, human error, or otherwise created.

Let’s take the case of a timber company using sensors to detect lightning strikes or approaching wildfires. Strategically placed sensors are programmed to detect various gas profiles indicative of those events. A delayed alert could spell disaster, so real-time notifications are of paramount importance. The same is true for oil and gas companies that receive alerts before catastrophic equipment malfunction—real-time alerts to what’s happening in the field could save millions of dollars and prevent environmental devastation and other ramifications.

One-way and Two-way Satellite Communications

In many use cases, two-way communication is needed to optimize industrial operations. Some IIoT connectivity solutions only transmit data one way, from the sensor to the end user, which is sufficient in many cases to make informed decisions — for example, a sensor indicating that a trash can atop a mountain in a national park will soon need servicing. But one-way communication doesn’t allow a remote operator to ping a command down to a device to perform a specific function, including critical upgrades.

Let’s use underground pipes for this example. In the winter, the remote operator is most concerned about temperature since frozen pipes are liable to burst. However, in the summer, monitoring pressure is of utmost importance to ensure the integrity of the pipes. With one-way satellite communication, someone would need to drive out to the location and manually reconfigure the IIoT sensor to get the desired readings. With two-way satellite communication, problems can be fixed automatically at the source.

While satellite connectivity isn’t about to unseat cellular IIoT connectivity, as IIoT pushes into increasingly remote locales, satellite solutions are positioned to keep pace with IIoT demand in these areas in a way that cellular simply cannot, making satellite connectivity the next-generation tech to explore for remote operations.

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Sateliot, the first company to operate a low-Earth orbit (LEO) nanosatellite constellation with 5G-IoT standard, has launched Sateliot_0 “The GroundBreaker”, the first-ever 5G standard LEO satellite, to democratize access to the Internet of Things.

The launch happened on April 14th, 2023 at 11:47 pm Pacific Time aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg U.S. Space Force Base in California, after three failed attempts due to weather conditions.

The GroundBreaker is the first of a 250 LEO satellite constellation, which will work as cell towers from space. Users can seamlessly switch from a terrestrial to a non-terrestrial 5G network, with no need to purchase any extra hardware, such as antennas or modems. Also, they can keep using their current sim cards and mobile operators, thanks to the standard roaming agreements carried out by Sateliot. This eases the way to a massive Internet of Things adoption worldwide.

With a 22 lbs weight, The GroundBreaker can cover an area three times as big as Texas and it takes approximately 90 minutes to complete a full Earth orbit. The satellite has an onboard module that allows direct NB-IoT connection for any 5G device supporting Rel 17 NTN. This means that a single satellite can provide global coverage and retrieve key information from the surface for commercial usage, impacting on the efficiency of hundreds of industries.

The technology will provide surveillance services to cases like maritime, railway, aeronautics and automobiles, for instance, saving billions on lost cargo. It will also grant 43 million Americans access to safe, potable water from private wells and rivers, preventing contamination and flooding, or connecting cattle for livestock management to prevent sickness and thefts, amongst other applications.

The company has closed agreements with global telecommunications operators and companies and already has a sales pipeline of over €1.2 billion. The goal is to reach €1 billion on billing and a €370 million EBITDA by 2026.

What will the launch and deployment be like?

The satellite has been attached to a box-like deployer – an orbital placement system – aboard the rocket. This deployer has mechanisms that boost the satellite once entering orbit.

The GroundBreaker has been carefully attached to the deployer in a white room, free of external contaminants, and connected to a sequencer, the system in charge of giving the final order to eject the satellite.
Once the rocket reaches the programmed position, the sequencer will give the satellite expulsion order, and the deployer will expel and activate it. The satellite will fly away, and the electric supply will reach the satellite’s main subsystems.
It will begin its reading phase, executing a list of system verifications and checks in preparation for its operative phase. Tests will be run by Sateliot, and once successfully completed, the device will be fully operative.

Mission insignia and name

Barcelona-based Sateliot chose a multicolor, fire-spitting, Gaudi-style dragon as the mission insignia.

The dragon symbolizes strength, confidence, and knowledge. It is an homage to the Catalan master artist Gaudi and a nod to Barcelona, a clear reference to Sateliot: born in Barcelona, with global presence and aspirations, as seen as its San Diego office takes off.

“The Groundbreaker” has been chosen as the name for its disruptive character. No other orbiting LEO satellite delivers 5G standard technology yet, so Sateliot is setting a milestone in satellite telecommunications.

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Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, today announces the launch of the CC200A-LB satellite module for IoT industries, which utilizes satellite IoT connectivity provided by ORBCOMM, a leading global provider of IoT communications and solutions.

The module is designed to provide reliable global coverage and connectivity at a cost-effective price point and with ultra-low latency, making it an ideal solution for a wide range of applications, including maritime, transportation, heavy equipment, agriculture, mining, and oil and gas monitoring.

The CC200A-LB module is designed to enable communications in remote areas without cellular network coverage. ORBCOMM provides reliable global connectivity over the IsatData Pro (IDP) satellite service, using the Inmarsat GEO constellation and L band, and features two-way communication, low latency, and nearly-real-time reporting capabilities. ORBCOMM’s satellite IoT connectivity can be blended with cellular bandwidth to create unique, dual-mode IoT applications with maximum reliability, redundancy and ubiquitous coverage. The CC200A-LB satellite module is designed with a compact LCC+LGA form factor, with dimensions of 37mm x 38mm x 3.35mm. The module also supports multi-constellation GNSS and supports intuitive AT command set.

“We are thrilled to work with ORBCOMM and introduce the CC200A-LB satellite module to the market,” said Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “Our satellite module provides reliable connectivity, global coverage, and low latency, making it an ideal solution for IoT applications across a broad range of industries including maritime, transportation, heavy equipment, and natural resources. We look forward to working with our customers to optimize the module design and meet their specific needs.”

“ORBCOMM’s long-time expertise in satellite IoT combined with Quectel’s market leadership in the cellular space creates a powerful satellite platform at significant scale and extremely attractive price points for a wide variety of global IoT applications,” said Fran Bogle, ORBCOMM’s Chief Revenue Officer.

“Together with Quectel, we will enable customers to leverage the versatility and reliability of satellite and dual-mode connectivity to ensure continuous and cost-effective communication for managing remote and mobile assets anytime, anywhere.”

With a message size of up to 6.4Kbytes for transmission and up to 10Kbytes for reception, the CC200A-LB has ultra-low latency of about 20 seconds for a 100-byte message. Typical transmission latency is 20 seconds at 100 bytes and 40 seconds at one kilobyte, and its typical reception latency is 12 seconds at 100 bytes and 70 seconds at one kilobyte. The CC200A-LB satellite module will be backwards compatible to ORBCOMM’s future OGx services to be launched in Q4 2023, which greatly expand both speed and size of message.

Available as part of the support package is the Quectel Connectivity Management Platform (QCMP). The QCMP provides a centralized and easy-to-use solution for managing and monitoring IoT devices and their connections. The platform performs real-time analysis of connectivity and network performance.

The module can be purchased in isolation or with the appropriate Quectel antenna, YEGM023AA, optimised for satellite connections and available with screw mount or magnetic mounting options. The antenna measures 75mm x 84mm x 25mm and is appropriate for GPS L1, GLONASS L1, Galileo E1 and BDS E1, offering high performance satellite capabilities.

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Drives efficiency, sustainability and compliance for FreeWave’s environmental IoT solutions.

ORBCOMM Inc.¹, today announced that FreeWave® Technologies (FreeWave)², has selected ORBCOMM’s next-generation satellite technology to expand its environmental IoT solutions portfolio, which helps customers improve the efficiency, sustainability and compliance of their remote global industrial operations.

FreeWave is using ORBCOMM’s feature-rich satellite terminal, which provides enhanced two-way communication speed, global coverage and low power consumption for monitoring a wide variety of environmental IoT applications, including farming and agricultural systems, water treatment and distribution, weather prediction, and tank-level management. Leveraging ORBCOMM’s latest satellite IoT technology, FreeWave can deliver uninterrupted visibility and control for sensors, equipment and machines anytime, anywhere for maximum reliability.

With access to deep data insights, alert notifications and customizable reports, FreeWave can help its customers drive greater uptime, process and compliance automation as well as real-time performance management. ORBCOMM’s technology also helps FreeWave’s customers optimize their operations to reduce the environmental impact and make more sustainable business decisions.

“ORBCOMM’s best-in-class satellite technology is integral to FreeWave’s environmental IoT solutions to ensure optimal reliability, global coverage and longevity for customers spanning the agriculture, oil & gas and natural resources industries, which expands our reach in these critical markets,” said Chris MacDonald, ORBCOMM’s Senior Vice President of North America Sales.

“With ORBCOMM’s two-way satellite terminals, FreeWave’s customers can seamlessly monitor and control their industrial assets from anywhere in the world, enabling precise and efficient management of their operations with an immediate ROI.”

“We are excited to partner with ORBCOMM and leverage their high-performance satellite IoT technology to transform the extreme edge of our customers’ industrial operations into a connected part of their enterprise,” said Mike Tate, COO and Senior Vice President of Global Sales & Marketing with FreeWave Technologies. “By incorporating ORBCOMM’s devices into our industrial IoT applications, we can bring exponential efficiency and productivity gains to our customers and help them preserve essential natural resources such as food, air, energy and water to create a more sustainable world for generations to come..”

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Company plans to grow its constellation from three to ten this year, enhancing its 5G narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) connectivity service based on 3GPP for non-terrestrial networks

OQ Technology, the world’s first and only satellite operator of a 5G NB-IoT constellation, plans to grow its constellation from three to ten satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) this year.

The move will turn the company into the largest 5G NB-IoT satellite operator in the world.

The seven satellites that will be added to the OQ Technology’s constellation, are the previously announced “MACSAT” and “PHI-Demo” satellites and five additional 6U nanosatellites, Tiger-4 to Tiger-8, which the company has already ordered. Concluding the launch of the first batch, all remaining satellite launches are planned for this year with the final ones, pending launch conditions, to possibly going into orbit in early 2024.

With the added satellites, OQ Technology will significantly enhance its 5G NB-IoT non-terrestrial networks (NTN) satellite connectivity service based on 3GPP for non-terrestrial networks (Release 17). The enlarged constellation will increase its global coverage and the satellites’ revisiting times to multiple times per day. As a result, the company’s terminals can send more data, received from mobile sensors, giving customers more of the latest sensor information in real-time. The increased capacity and revisiting times will in particular serve customers in both the energy and asset tracking market.

Omar Qaise, founder and CEO of OQ Technology, said:

“Having pioneered satellite based 5G NB-IoT connectivity and launched our constellation before anybody else did, we are now cementing our position as the leading 5G NB-IoT satellite operator in the world.”

“Being well ahead in the 5G IoT non-terrestrial networks market, we are continuing the expansion of our global coverage, entering new markets and accelerating the build-up of our constellation. The planned launches for this year will conclude our Batch 1 deployment, with Batch 2 already in preparation.”

Three of the satellites, Tiger-4, Tiger-7 and Tiger-8, will be built by Lithuanian mission integrator and bus manufacturer Kongsberg NanoAvionics who also built Tiger-2, Tiger-3, and MACSAT. Tiger-5 and Tiger-6 will be built by satellite manufacturer Space Inventor from Denmark. The 5G NB-IoT payloads will be provided by OQ Technology and integrated into these platforms. OQ Technology will also be responsible for operating the satellite constellation as well as managing the ground network, service, spectrum access and licensing.

“It is thanks to a faster construction of our payload, and our 5G NTN technology being developed in-house that OQ Technology is able to massively and quickly expand its constellation,” Qaise said.

OQ Technology’s 5G NB-IoT connectivity service enables companies to connect their mobile devices for applications such as smart metering, precision agriculture, asset tracking, vehicle telematics, artificial intelligence critical alarms and environmental monitoring. With 85 percent of the world’s surface lacking or having limited access to terrestrial connectivity services, the constellation provides global connectivity in remote regions.

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