Satellite-Enabled Connectivity Tech to Expand IoT Capabilities

Mobile satellite services provider EchoStar Mobile Limited is launching a new program designed to enhance IoT capabilities across Europe through satellite-based services.  

Transport, agriculture and utilities industries will trial EchoStar Mobile’s satellite-enabled connectivity solution that leverages the LoRa (Long Range) low power protocol to bring assets online. 

A white paper, “Satellite-based LoRa Unlocks Europe-wide IoT,” was published with the announcement, examining use cases and how space-based connectivity can help streamline, automate and enhance IoT networks.

“LoRa connectivity makes up 45% of today’s global IoT networks; it’s perfect for connecting low-powered ‘things,’ 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, the EchoStar Mobile solution is the first real-time, bi-directional LoRa service with mobile and remote capabilities. Accelerating the adoption of massive IoT, our program already spans more than 10,000 devices, with the service expected to scale to millions of devices in Europe alone.”

Typically, LoRa services are limited to static devices with terrestrial connectivity, however with EchoStar’s new program, the application of this tech extends to freely roaming devices which can both send and receive information. The new service is also compatible with any ISM-band LoRaWAN network, with a roaming capacity that spans Europe. 

Melia says big data is the new currency in a world of accelerating change. 

“The rapid collection, processing and management of data is vital for optimizing industrial processes and changing society through innovation, whether by supporting the wider development of Smart Cities or the transition to renewable energy,” he said.

EchoStar Mobile’s early adopter program will run throughout 2022. It’s anticipated to be commercially available by year’s end.