Inmarsat plc, the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, and Vodafone have announced a roaming agreement with the ambition to enable international satellite and cellular roaming connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Delivering greater reliability and reach, the innovative collaboration, will offer competitive and flexible services, able to adapt to a broad range of industrial demands for IoT applications, for fixed or mobile requirements.
Thanks to its ubiquitous coverage and high network availability, even in extreme environmental conditions, satellite-powered IoT allows organisations to extend their services beyond terrestrial networks, where they have remote connectivity requirements, for example in the agri-tech, utilities, oil and gas and transportation sectors.
“Deploying satellite connectivity to complement terrestrial networks for IoT applications changes the Internet of Things into the Internet of Everywhere. The growth in mission critical IoT applications, is driving demand for connectivity with unprecedented reach, range and reliability on a global basis”, said Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat. “This agreement marks a first for Inmarsat; enabling a mobile operator to utilise broadband roaming services on our global network.”
Vodafone Director of IoT, Ivo Rook said, “Success in IoT demands a mix of different technologies for different applications. By adding satellite connectivity from Inmarsat to the Vodafone portfolio we continue to deliver on our strategy to lead in managed IoT services. The IoT is transforming businesses in every sector and I am delighted we are able to support more of our customers in taking advantage of all that this technology has to offer.”
The agreement will use the Inmarsat I-4 satellite network providing global L-band coverage and is weather agnostic. Inmarsat, since 1979, has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat operates in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent.
