Inmarsat plc (LSE: ISAT.L) and Vodafone agree to a roaming agreement with the goal of enabling international satellite and cellular roaming connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT).
The results will be to deliver greater reliability and reach, and provide competitive and flexible services that are able to adapt to a broad range of industrial demands for IoT applications, for fixed or mobile requirements.
The extensive coverage and high network availability, even in extreme environmental conditions, enable satellite-powered IoT organizations 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.
Rupert Pearce, CEO, Inmarsat said, “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. This agreement marks a first for Inmarsat; enabling a mobile operator to utilize 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.
