The goal is to complement Telefónica Tech's value proposition with a global satellite service using low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations to provide 5G NB-IoT connectivity. These constellations orbit at an altitude of between 500 and 1,000 kilometers, much lower than traditional geostationary satellites. Furthermore, its compatibility with 3GPP standards will allow NB-IoT devices to connect seamlessly to both existing terrestrial networks and the new satellite network.
The architecture designed by Telefónica Tech, TGS and Sateliot natively integrates the satellite network with the Kite network nodes, the IoT managed connectivity platform developed by Telefónica Tech with which the client can control and monitor their line fleet in real time and remotely from anywhere in the world through a web portal or via APIs.
This innovative 5G satellite connectivity service will not require any devices different from those already used for NB-IoT connectivity, and agriculture, the shipping industry, wind farms, solar farms, and livestock farming are expected to be the sectors that benefit most, as they require coverage in remote areas. Telefónica Tech and TGS plan to begin the first pre-commercial pilot programs with clients later this year.
Carlos Carazo, Director of Technology and Operations for IoT and Big Data at Telefónica Tech, states: “At Telefónica Tech, we continue to evolve our connectivity portfolio with the most innovative services on the market. We are convinced that these types of solutions will help us consolidate our position as leaders in IoT thanks to our Kite platform and other innovation projects based on virtualization and cloud network deployment. 5G satellite connectivity provides a standards-based solution for IoT customers who require complete coverage using the same NB-IoT devices already in use by the industry.”
Jaume Sanpera, CEO and co-founder of Sateliot, states: "Sateliot's purpose is to democratize IoT connectivity, making it available everywhere and to everyone, thanks to our satellite constellation based on the 5G standard and with a unique cost-effective approach, offering a price significantly lower than current satellite connectivity. Through our Early Access Program, we are seeing very significant market demand. The revolution will be a reality in just a few months, and this makes me happy, because a connected world is a better world."
