The demo consisted of sending an end-to-end message using Nordic Semiconductor’s standard nRF9151 low power cellular IoT module. Without any hardware changes, the nRF9151 module successfully connected through Sateliot’s satellites. This potentially replicates, say the companies, the roaming experience that mobile networks already offer on the ground.
Specifically, Sateliot provided connectivity for the IoT device to Nordic’s nRF Cloud, the company’s platform for device management, embedded observability, and location services.
NTN satellite comms
“We are facing a technological, commercial, and strategic milestone, comparable to Starlink’s first connection with a mobile phone, and one that proves Europe can also lead the democratization of connectivity from Space,” said Jaume Sanpera, Sateliot’s CEO and co-founder (pictured).
IoT
For its part, Nordic highlighted the potential of satellite connectivity.
“The lack of global and harmonised coverage has held back the IoT and M2M markets for years,” said Oyvind Birkenes, executive VP of Long Range at Nordic Semiconductor. “With this breakthrough, it will be possible to create low-power devices with satellite connectivity and accelerate deployments across many key use cases.”
Nordic points out that approximately 75% of Earth’s landmass lacks terrestrial cellular coverage. The significance of the recent connection, via LEO satellite comms, is extending the IoT to such remote areas of the planet.
Sateliot
Earlier this year the Barcelona-based satcoms startup closed its €70 million Series B funding round with the addition of €10 million from the Hyperion Fund, a Madrid-based VC.
Styling itself as the world’s first 5G-IoT telecommunications operator from space, Sateliot plans a constellation of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. It describes its 5G IoT satellite constellation as acting as a cell tower in space; a direct-to-device extension of terrestrial cellular networks.
Its goal, with standards-compliant 5G, is to enable NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of things) devices to connect to its satellite constellation anywhere on earth. Basically, supporting IoT services at a significantly lower cost than traditional satellite alternatives.
It has a focus on applications across defence, cybersecurity, telecommunications, logistics, mining, energy, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and critical infrastructure.
With six satellites already in space, the company reports securing €270 million in contracts, from 400 clients across 50 countries.
Image: Sateliot CEO and Co-Founder Jaume Sanpera
See also: ESA, Telesat establish 5G connection with non-geostationary satellite
