Key Takeaways
- OQ Technology has successfully connected a commercial Internet of Things (IoT) chipset to one of its low Earth orbit satellites using internally developed software based on 3GPP mobile standards.
- The test used an unmodified, low-power cellular module from Nordic Semiconductor, which is typically used in tracking and monitoring sensors.
- OQ Technology’s vertical integration across the non-terrestrial network (NTN) software stack and satellite operations reduces cost and complexity for customers.
- The company plans to add 30 more satellites next year to demonstrate two-way, direct-to-device (D2D) text messaging and expand to around 100 satellites within three years.
- OQ Technology is positioning itself as a European-controlled alternative for space-based D2D communications.
Introduction to OQ Technology’s Achievement
OQ Technology, a Luxembourg-based company, has made a significant breakthrough in the field of Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. On December 17, the company announced that it had successfully connected a commercial IoT chipset directly to one of its low Earth orbit satellites using internally developed software based on 3GPP mobile standards. This achievement is a major milestone for the company, as it demonstrates the feasibility of using standard cellular modules to connect IoT devices to satellite networks. The test used an unmodified, low-power cellular module from Norway’s Nordic Semiconductor, called nRF9151, which is typically used in tracking and monitoring sensors.
The Significance of the Test
The test conducted by OQ Technology is significant because it shows that a widely used, standards-based chipset can operate over its network without hardware modifications or software updates. This means that the same modules could be used by original equipment manufacturers and mobile network operators through roaming partnerships, making it easier and more cost-effective for companies to deploy IoT devices across government, enterprise, and private industrial networks. According to OQ founder and CEO Omar Qaise, the company’s vertical integration across the non-terrestrial network (NTN) software stack and satellite operations reduces cost and complexity for customers, supporting large-scale deployment of IoT devices.
OQ Technology’s Current Operations and Future Plans
OQ Technology is already providing satellite IoT connectivity commercially using proprietary devices, including for private 5G NTN networks serving enterprise customers such as energy company Aramco. The company has deployed 10 small satellites to date and is currently using its S-band spectrum to provide IoT connectivity for remote devices in countries including Australia, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, and Nigeria. Looking ahead, OQ Technology plans to add 30 more satellites next year to demonstrate two-way, direct-to-device (D2D) text messaging, aiming to expand to around 100 satellites within three years to improve coverage and enable broader D2D services, such as voice.
Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning
OQ Technology’s achievement is not an isolated incident, as other companies have also been working on similar non-terrestrial network (NTN) demonstrations. For example, Spain’s Sateliot announced a similar demonstration in October using software from Denmark-based Gatehouse Satcom. However, OQ Technology’s use of an unmodified, standards-based chipset sets it apart from other companies in the industry. Furthermore, the company’s ability to send an emergency broadcast message directly from one of its satellites to an unmodified smartphone, as announced last month, positions it as a European-controlled alternative for space-based D2D communications. This is a significant advantage, as it allows OQ Technology to offer a unique solution for customers looking for a reliable and secure way to communicate with devices in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, OQ Technology’s achievement is a significant milestone in the development of IoT connectivity using satellite networks. The company’s ability to connect a commercial IoT chipset to one of its low Earth orbit satellites using internally developed software based on 3GPP mobile standards demonstrates the feasibility of using standard cellular modules to connect IoT devices to satellite networks. With its vertical integration across the NTN software stack and satellite operations, OQ Technology is well-positioned to support large-scale deployment of IoT devices across government, enterprise, and private industrial networks. As the company continues to expand its satellite constellation and develop new services, it is likely to play a major role in the growing market for satellite-based IoT connectivity.
