Satellites play a crucial role in enabling a global Internet of Things (IoT) by providing connectivity to remote areas and serving as a backup to terrestrial networks. Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) offers several advantages for IoT applications, including global reach, mobility, scalability, redundancy, and low infrastructure requirements. The L band spectrum used by satellites like Thuraya’s provides excellent coverage and weather resilience, making it ideal for IoT devices. Future IoT devices are expected to combine cellular and satellite connectivity, facilitated by new standards like 3GPP Release 17 5G optimization for non-terrestrial networks.
In a recent session at IoT Tech Expo Europe, Amine El Ammari, VP of Global Business Development at Thuraya, highlighted the significance of satellites in enabling truly global connectivity for IoT. Thuraya, a leading player in the satellite industry, provides satellite services across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, Australia, and over 150 countries. The company handles everything from satellite connectivity and ground station gateways to devices and end-user services, serving government agencies and enterprises in various sectors.
When selecting a satellite network for IoT, El Ammari emphasized the importance of considering criteria such as orbital plane, fixed vs mobile satellites, and frequency bands. He highlighted the advantages of the L band spectrum, including its excellent coverage, penetration, and resistance to weather conditions. These characteristics make the L band spectrum particularly suitable for IoT applications.
El Ammari made a strong case for Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) as an ideal solution for many IoT applications. MSS offers global reach to remote areas, allowing IoT devices to connect even in the most isolated locations. It also provides mobility, enabling assets on the move to stay connected. MSS is scalable, capable of supporting massive device growth, and serves as a redundancy backup when terrestrial networks are down. Additionally, MSS requires low infrastructure, as it does not rely on ground stations.
For IoT specifically, El Ammari highlighted the advantages of using the L band spectrum provided by Thuraya satellites. The L band spectrum offers excellent coverage and weather resilience, making it suitable for IoT devices deployed in challenging environments. It also consumes low power, which is critical for battery-powered IoT devices. Furthermore, the L band spectrum is harmonized and licensed globally, ensuring seamless connectivity across different regions. Additionally, the small antenna sizes required for the L band spectrum make integration into IoT devices easier.
El Ammari discussed various innovative use cases of Thuraya’s satellite services in partnership with different organizations. These use cases include tracking and monitoring shipping containers, detecting wildfires in remote forests using AI video analytics, remotely monitoring generators in rural villages, securing fence perimeters, and monitoring utility power lines in difficult terrains. These examples demonstrate the diverse applications of satellite-enabled IoT solutions.
Looking ahead, El Ammari predicted that multinetwork capabilities will be crucial for the future of IoT. He envisioned IoT devices combining cellular and satellite connectivity in a single chipset, allowing seamless communication over terrestrial or satellite networks. This future vision will be facilitated by new standards like 3GPP Release 17 5G optimization for non-terrestrial networks. The move towards unified standards like 5G and 6G will replace proprietary technologies, enabling IoT devices to communicate seamlessly across different networks.
In conclusion, satellites play a vital role in enabling a global IoT by providing connectivity to remote areas and serving as a backup to terrestrial networks. Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) offers several advantages for IoT applications, including global reach, mobility, scalability, redundancy, and low infrastructure requirements. The L band spectrum used by satellites like Thuraya’s provides excellent coverage and weather resilience, making it ideal for IoT devices. Future IoT devices are expected to combine cellular and satellite connectivity, facilitated by new standards like 3GPP Release 17 5G optimization for non-terrestrial networks.
