Inmarsat and hiSky complete IoT Smartellite terminal tests

hiSky – a developer and provider of adaptable satellite IoT solutions – has completed compatibility testing of its Smartellite terminals with the Global Xpress (GX) network from Inmarsat.

The move marks the first step in a long-term partnership between the two companies, using Inmarsat’s geostationary (GEO) Ka-band capabilities to provide a low-cost, high-value offering to hiSky’s IoT customers.

The technology will be available to customers active in enterprise sectors including mining and energy.

hiSky’s proprietary Smartellite terminal technology has proven to communicate highly effectively with Inmarsat’s GX network – with its high-speed and reliable signals being received by ground infrastructure in Scotland and transferring throughout hiSky’s IoT network offering.

This service enables the successful running of IoT devices, as well as voice calls and messaging for both mobile and static enterprise assets.

Mike Carter, President of Inmarsat Enterprise, said: "This partnership provides an exciting opportunity across a range of industries to speed up their IoT adoption through affordable and scalable solutions. It is part of our long-standing mission to increase the uptake of satellite-enabled IoT capabilities: from new entrants and disruptors, to established companies of any size."

Through the partnership, hiSky and Inmarsat have uncovered an opportunity to leverage Inmarsat’s expansive GX network to provide customers with access to the world’s most sophisticated GEO global Ka-band satellite network, typically used by leading companies in the aviation and maritime industries.

hiSky’s network is designed to operate within existing satellite networks, enabling fast deployment at minimum CAPEX cost.

The Smartellite low-data-rate network leverages the GX’s high throughput to harness IoT operations ideal for typical enterprise use cases, such as dynamic vehicle monitoring.

The partnership will allow hiSky’s customers to benefit from a unique Ka-band-driven IoT solution supplied by Inmarsat’s proven resilient high speed and capacity offering.

Phil Meyers, General Manager at hiSky, said improved connectivity can be a game-changer for businesses located in remote, hard-to-reach locations – enhancing productivity, as well as maintaining the safety and wellbeing of those touched by the technology.

"We’re looking forward to progressing the partnership into use-case scenarios and partnering with major industry players to demonstrate the efficiencies, both in cost and in operations that Inmarsat’s GX network can provide to hiSky’s customers.”