Satellite IoT: keeping sensors connected beyond cellular coverage
A sensor can keep taking measurements after cellular coverage disappears. Without an available connection, however, those readings and alerts never reach the person who needs to act. This happens on farmland far from towns, at an isolated storage tank, or along a vehicle’s route through areas without mobile service. The device remains powered, but the last update on the monitoring platform gets…
Satellite IoT enables sensors to maintain connectivity even when cellular coverage is unavailable. Without a connection, sensor readings and alerts cannot reach the intended recipient. This issue arises in remote areas such as farmland, isolated storage tanks, or areas with limited mobile service. Satellite IoT offers a solution by allowing devices to transmit data via satellite links, which can reach areas that are beyond cellular network reach.
This opens up monitoring opportunities at sites that were previously difficult to access, potentially reducing the need for manual visits. The success of this system depends on various components, including sensors, antennas, firmware, power supply, connectivity service, and the software receiving the messages. A notable development in this field is Nordic Semiconductor's announcement on August 6, 2026, introducing the LooUQ MTC2-N9151 embedded modem, based on the nRF9151.
This modem received Skylo certification for NTN (Non-Terrestrial Network) satellite connectivity, providing a platform that combines cellular and satellite communication for simplified product development. Satellite IoT can be particularly useful in various applications, such as agriculture, remote infrastructure, and logistics.
In agriculture, sensors can monitor irrigation infrastructure in locations where cellular coverage is unreliable. Solar-powered sensors, like those used by Remsight in its HydroProxy platform, can operate in remote areas and provide key readings periodically, reporting threshold crossings and helping water managers identify unusual consumption or conditions that require investigation.
The LooUQ modem based on the nRF9151 simplifies the integration process by providing a foundation for developers to build upon, focusing their work on the product and its application. However, it is essential to assess the entire system, including firmware, energy consumption, antenna design, and data handling, to ensure the solution is useful and sustainable in the field.
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