Transatel, a subsidiary of NTT, has forged agreements with satellite operators Stellar, Skylo, and Sateliot. The move will embed broadband and narrowband non-terrestrial (NTN) connectivity to its cellular capabilities: narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), LTE-M, 2G, 3G, LTE (long-term evolution), 5G NSA (non-standalone) and 5G SA (standalone).
Satellite, the new frontier of IoT connectivity
According to Berg Insight, the number of satellite IoT subscribers will reach 23.9 million units in 2027 for an estimated revenue of €1.25 billion. Terrestrial cellular networks cover only 10% of the world’s surface, with areas such as mountains, deserts, and oceans still inaccessible to mobile operators’ networks. This is a major obstacle to the mass deployment of international machine-to-machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) projects. However, numerous applications demand worldwide coverage, especially in sectors such as transportation and logistics, agriculture, energy infrastructure, and mining.
By integrating broadband and narrowband satellite technologies into its global cellular connectivity solutions offering, Transatel will aim to score 100% global coverage continuity on land and in the oceans to meet the needs of its customers. Covering the black spots of the globe is imperative for a growing number of IoT use cases. Transatel is currently in the testing phase with pilot customers and will start rolling out these new services in 2024.
Broadband satellite connectivity will accelerate development of Internet of Vehicles (IoV)
In the age of the ‘communicating’ cars, connectivity is no longer a commodity but a safety factor. From telematics services enabling on-board software to be updated remotely, to on-board WI-FI for infotainment services, navigation systems, emergency calls in the event of an accident, and, in the future, autonomous driving, all require uninterrupted coverage and high data bandwidth.
Building on its automotive experience with Jaguar Land Rover and Stellantis, Transatel is improving its connectivity platform dedicated to the IoV with these satellite agreements to offer car manufacturers international broadband connectivity in the coming years.
“For the past twenty years, Transatel’s mission has always been to connect the world by developing cross-border connectivity solutions,” says Jacques Bonifay, CEO and co-founder of Transatel. “Today, we are already offering 2G to 5G cellular IoT coverage in more than 200 countries and territories around the world through our agreements with nearly 250 mobile carriers. By combining public and private terrestrial cellular networks with non-terrestrial connectivity, Transatel will soon achieve its ambition to cover 100% of the planet.