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Astrocast collaborates with Soracom

Under the deal, Astrocast will provide Soracom customers access to global Satellite IoT (SatIoT) connectivity.

Astrocast, a global nanosatellite IoT network operator, and Soracom, a global provider of advanced IoT connectivity, have signed a partnership to embed the Astrocast Satellite IoT (SatIoT) solution into the Soracom platform.

This collaboration enables Soracom to offer integrators and end customers blended IoT connectivity options that comprise satellite and cellular connectivity. Since 85% of the globe has zero cellular coverage, Astrocast’s SatIoT solution will provide a key component to Soracom’s 20,000 plus customers across the world; with devices in areas where cellular coverage does not reach. Organisations will be able to access Astrocast SatIoT by subscribing to the Soracom platform. They will be able to make use of Soracom’s blended connectivity options or SatIoT alone.

Astrocast’s cost-effective global SatIoT will enable Soracom’s customers to derive more value from their IoT investments. An array of organisations and use cases – of all sizes and types – will benefit from SatIoT connectivity. This range includes Smart Agriculture, preventive maintenance and asset tracking.

Commenting on the partnership, Kenta Yasukawa, CTO of Soracom, said: “This is only the beginning of our journey with Astrocast. The power of IoT to transform operations is indisputable. What has been achieved to date is compelling; but there is so much more that can be achieved together. With an affordable and accessible IoT platform, Soracom’s addition of Astrocast SatIoT will transform the ease with which integrators and businesses of all sizes can explore the power of SatIoT.

“We want to work together with Astrocast, and our clients, to accelerate innovation by combining our joint depths of insight, and knowledge of IoT; with the expertise of individuals on the ground that are developing and using IoT for the integrators and customers that we work for. This way, we can ensure the most effective deployment of IoT.”

Fabien Jordan, CEO and Co-founder of Astrocast, added: “With 83% of organisations claiming to have improved efficiency by introducing IoT technology, it is little wonder that IoT solutions have the potential to generate $4-11 trillion in economic value by 2025. This is the first time a well-established communication provider like Soracom is expanding its global reach with satellite connectivity.

“Furthermore, there is a significant pent-up demand across many industries for IoT deployments across the 85% of the globe that currently has zero cellular coverage. The availability of cost-effective, low-power, bidirectional satellite technology is providing new opportunities for an array of organisations and use cases. The accessibility of the Soracom platform with Satellite IoT will give many integrators and organisations a chance to explore and develop a new dimension to their IoT platform.”