New Satellite Platform Adds IoT Connectivity Across Europe

Satellite services provider EchoStar Mobile has unveiled a pan-European long-range-radio enabled IoT network, portrayed as the first platform of its kind.

The network provides bi-directional, real-time LoRa-enabled connectivity across Europe using a single satellite network. The new system went live following the installation and commissioning of gateway equipment at the Hughes Europe teleport in Germany.

Typically, LoRa connection requires land-based infrastructure, with a limited radius as a result. The new system from EchoStar makes the connectivity direct-to-satellite, expanding its reach and possible use cases.

“LoRa connectivity makes up 45% of today’s global IoT networks, yet its reliance on terrestrial connectivity restricts its usefulness,” said Telemaco Melia, vice president and general manager of EchoStar Mobile. “Replacing fiber and cable with satellite connectivity, EchoStar Mobile is the first real-time, bi-directional LoRa service with mobile and remote capabilities.”

Melia said the launch is a significant milestone for the company and paves the way to investigate novel applications such as railway track monitoring, smart farming, utility monitoring and asset tracking.

An early adopter program for the network was announced in May, with participants able to test the connectivity solution for themselves. This program is expected to run throughout the year, with a commercial service launch anticipated for late 2022.