Eutelsat launches satellite-based IoT connectivity service

Aiming to take advantage of its recently launched constellation of nanosatellites in low earth orbit, satellite operator Eutelsat has progressed its ambition to become a leading internet of things (IoT) company by introducing Eutelsat IoT First.

It describes IoT First as a fully integrated IoT connectivity service, operating in Ku-band via Eutelsat’s geostationary satellites, bringing together satellite terminals, space and ground segments, packaged within an application programming interface (API)-based service delivery framework.

It is targeted at selected satellite service providers, telecom operators and IoT service providers, aiming to address connectivity challenges in industries ranging from retail, banking and security to energy, mining and agriculture, which seek a cost-effective and reliable IoT system to connect their fixed assets, irrespective of location. The service will be priced on a par with cellular-based IoT connectivity services, said Eutelsat.

The ground infrastructure to serve Eutelsat IoT First comprises a network of IoT-specific hubs hosted at teleports across the globe. These hubs are monitored and controlled 24/7 by Eutelsat’s service delivery team in Turin, Italy.

Eutelsat IoT First will also have a potential use case in IoT backhaul, enabling operators to connect IoT base stations and gateways to their core network. Eutelsat is currently focusing on treating fixed assets, but next year will expand its portfolio of IoT services to incorporate the connectivity of mobile assets.

“The reliability and boundless reach that satellite offers means that it will have an integral role in the IoT sector,” said Luis Jimenez-Tunon, group executive vice-president data business at Eutelsat.