Satnews Daily
December 16th, 2018

Sierra Wireless Solar-Powered Satellite Asset Tracking Service Takes the Edge Off of Emergencies


Sierra Wireless’ solar power is a new addition to its satellite enabled asset tracking managed service. This enables companies to keep track and connect with thousands of relief assets and also be there should an emergency occur. Sierra Wireless' managed asset tracking service uses Globalstar’s SmartOne Solar device to provide satellite connectivity when cellular service is unavailable.  Using Sierra Wireless’ managed asset tracking service, with mapping and management software designed specifically for mission-critical situations, government agencies can monitor assets in chaotic environments and ensure that emergency responders get the tools they need to save lives and limit damage.


SmartOne Solar™ Solar powered satellite asset tracker

Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ:SWIR) (TSX:SW),  provider of fully integrated device-to-cloud solutions for the Internet of Things (IoT), has added solar power to its satellite-enabled asset tracking managed service, which allows agencies to connect, track and manage thousands of relief assets and respond to emergencies more effectively. The company is using Globalstar, Inc.’s (NYSE American:GSAT) SmartOne Solar device to extend battery power and provide reliable satellite connectivity to ensure devices remain online and available when it matters most.

Following a natural disaster, such as a hurricane or forest fire, it’s imperative that emergency equipment, temporary trailers for housing, food and clean water supplies and other assets be deployed quickly to the right locations. When power and cellular networks are out of service, Sierra Wireless’ managed satellite asset tracking service with Globalstar’s SmartOne Solar device provides the reliability that agencies need to accurately deploy resources. Globalstar’s solar-powered device can run for up to 10 years on battery power, ensuring that agencies stay connected to assets in-motion.

Marc Overton, Senior Vice President and General Manager, IoT Services, Sierra Wireless said that with Sierra Wireless’ managed asset tracking service, their customers can track high-value assets that are critical to effective, life-saving disaster responses. When cellular service is unavailable, satellite asset tracking gives agencies insight into the status of mission-critical aid. Their service provides the reliable, secure connectivity needed to track and control assets sent into disaster zones.

Using Sierra Wireless’ managed asset tracking service, with mapping and management software designed specifically for mission-critical situations, government agencies can monitor assets in chaotic environments and ensure that emergency responders get the tools they need to save lives and limit damage. The managed service combines the SmartOne Solar device with software and resilient network connectivity to provide an off-the-shelf, market-ready service. Instead of spending time searching for vendors and building their own solution, Sierra Wireless helps customers deploy quickly with low up-front costs.

The solution also features Bluetooth capabilities which makes it easier to update the device remotely in the field, saving time and money. Loss prevention features include geofencing, GPS location data and theft recovery modes, all of which improve visibility of expensive equipment and supplies while in remote locations around the world.

David Kagan, CEO, Globalstar added that government agencies and organizations need dependable, up-to-date information to make informed decisions, especially when lost or delayed emergency response assets can mean endangering lives or spending tens of thousands of dollars replacing lost equipment.  The affordable SmartOne Solar device delivers dependable, low-latency, high-quality connectivity when it’s needed most, whether you’re tracking emergency supplies or crisis support vehicles.