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Satellite Narrowband 5G Connectivity: The Key to Asset Monitoring in Areas Without Cellular Networks

Satellite Narrowband 5G Connectivity: The Key to Asset Monitoring in Areas Without Cellular Networks

To fully understand the necessity of satellite narrowband 5G connectivity, we must first understand the limitations of traditional cellular networks. While cellular technology has made significant strides in delivering reliable communication and data transmission for IoT devices, its reach remains constrained in remote areas, such as maritime zones and mountainous regions. 

Multi-network IoT SIM cards offer a partial solution by enabling coverage across multiple carriers where cellular networks are available. However, this approach has clear limitations. According to certain estimates, only 15% of the Earth’s surface is covered by cellular networks. 

This poses a challenge for IoT use cases that require connectivity over large, often remote areas. Supply chains, for example, often span multiple transportation modes and traverse regions where terrestrial networks are insufficient or absent. This raises a critical question: how can we ensure truly global, seamless connectivity for these applications? 

Complexity with current global connectivity requirements 

The connectivity landscape today is highly fragmented, with diverse technical requirements necessitating different connectivity technologies. This fragmentation poses significant challenges for enterprises needing to integrate multiple connectivity types—requiring separate providers for satellite and cellular services, increasing costs through the procurement of varied hardware, and navigating complex integration processes. 

However, a comprehensive solution could address this complexity by unifying both cellular and satellite connectivity into a single platform. Imagine a solution offering seamless integration via a single device, a single SIM card, and one contract with a unified provider, combining the strengths of both technologies. 

The ultimate solution to coverage issues, worldwide: Non-Terrestrial Satellite 5G NB-IoT Services 

Non-terrestrial satellite 5G NB-IoT technology represents a transformative solution for seamless connectivity across terrestrial and satellite networks. With a single SIM card, devices can transition effortlessly between these networks, utilizing existing infrastructure without the need for specialized hardware. Leading companies such as Skylo,Sateliot, and OQ Technology are at the forefront of this innovation, addressing the limitations of traditional cellular networks. 

This advanced solution relies mainly on constellations of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) but also Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites in some cases (Skylo), providing ubiquitous, uninterrupted connectivity. Positioned closer to Earth, LEO satellites offer reduced latency and extend coverage to even the most remote and challenging terrains, ensuring reliable communication where terrestrial networks falter. GEO satellites, on the other hand, operate much higher, at around 36000km above the Earth. This allows to have fewer satellites to cover the Earth, but limits even further the size of data messages transmitted.  

Recent developments in Satellite Narrowband 5G Connectivity (NB-IoT) 

A key milestone in the convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks was achieved in 2023 with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Release 17, which significantly advances Satellite Narrowband 5G Connectivity (NB-IoT). This release enabled a unified cellular model capable of operating across both terrestrial and satellite networks. The upcoming Release 18 and 19 are expected to further enhance the role of non-terrestrial networks (NTN) in the 5G ecosystem, pushing the boundaries of global connectivity by enabling an automatic switch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity. 

Telecom innovators with deep expertise in SIM card technology and IoT are already introducing advanced solutions that will one day enable seamless switching between terrestrial and satellite networks based on real-time signal strength and availability. A single, intelligent SIM card to ensure uninterrupted connectivity, supporting reliable IoT operations across diverse industries and use cases. Leading carriers can even engineer smart SIM cards capable of dynamically selecting the most optimal network for continuous, high-performance connectivity. Click here to learn more about the role of multi network sim cards and advanced solutions. 

Comprehensive Offerings of the Satellite Narrowband 5G Connectivity 

Global Coverage 

Satellite 5G NB-IoT services extend connectivity beyond the limitations of terrestrial networks, providing near-global coverage. This eliminates dead zones and ensures IoT devices can function seamlessly, even in remote or hard-to-reach areas, without interruptions. The ability to maintain consistent connectivity across diverse geographies makes these services invaluable for industries requiring real-time monitoring and control of dispersed assets. 

Dynamic Network Switching

A key enabler of this extensive coverage is the dynamic network switching between terrestrial cellular networks and satellite connections. Devices intelligently transition between the two networks, based on signal strength and availability. In regions with robust cellular coverage, devices automatically shift to terrestrial networks, conserving power by reducing reliance on satellite connections. This seamless handover ensures optimal connectivity performance while maximizing energy efficiency. 

Efficient Power Usage  

Historically, satellite communications were energy-intensive, limiting IoT deployments. Satellite 5G NB-IoT networks now address this challenge by allowing devices to operate in low-power modes. By transmitting data at optimized intervals and minimizing packet sizes, devices can conserve energy without sacrificing connectivity. Leveraging LEO satellites, these services enable reliable data transmission over vast distances, making satellite IoT solutions viable for energy-sensitive applications. 

This optimized approach ensures that satellite 5G NB-IoT delivers robust, efficient, and reliable connectivity for a wide range of IoT use cases, empowering industries to expand their operations into previously unreachable regions. 

Transatel at the forefront of the hybrid global IoT connectivity 

Transatel is a pioneering leader in cellular IoT, now advancing into the era of hybrid cellular-satellite connectivity. By integrating both traditional public and private cellular networks with non-terrestrial technologies into a unified solution, Transatel aims to ensure seamless, global coverage. 

By leveraging satellite networks from multiple providers, our goal is to maximize service continuity and future-proofs connectivity, ensuring access to the most advanced and reliable technologies in the years to come. 

To learn more about the Satellite Narrowband 5G Connectivity solution by Transatel, ask our IoT experts here!

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