New Satellite IoT Solutions from Qualcomm

New Satellite IoT Solutions from Qualcomm are Available for Uninterrupted Remote Monitoring and Asset Tracking

Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. has made a significant announcement regarding two new modem chipsets that come IoT solution with satellite capability. These chipsets, namely the Qualcomm 212S Modem and the Qualcomm 9205S Modem, are designed to cater to off-grid industrial use cases that require standalone non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity or a combination of terrestrial and satellite networks.

This advancement empowers IoT enterprises, developers, ODMs, and OEMs to leverage real-time information and insights to manage their business projects effectively. To facilitate this new connectivity medium, Qualcomm Technologies has partnered with Skylo, an NTN service provider.

Jeff Torrance, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Connected Smart Systems at Qualcomm Technologies, highlighted the significance of these modem chipsets. He emphasized that the Qualcomm 212S and Qualcomm 9205S chips take IoT tracking and monitoring capabilities to the next level by providing connectivity and coverage even in the most remote areas. These products demonstrate Qualcomm’s ability to deliver superior innovations in challenging and complex IoT environments.

Skylo’s CEO and Co-Founder, Parthsarathi Trivedi, expressed pride in collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies to offer satellite connectivity through these groundbreaking IoT modems. The aim is to ensure that off-grid devices have coverage in challenging cellular environments. As a leading NTN service provider, Skylo will leverage its network of satellite operators to enable satellite connectivity through the Qualcomm Aware Platform, optimizing integrations via the Qualcomm 212S and 9205S modems for stationary and in-transit uses.

The Qualcomm 212S Modem specifically caters to stationary IoT devices, enabling them to utilize satellite communication for superior off-grid connectivity. With ultra-low power consumption, it is ideal for applications in remote, fixed locations. Use cases include gathering telemetry and data from water and gas tanks, meters, and other infrastructure equipment.

It is also well-suited for utility grid monitoring, early fire detection reporting, on-shore and off-shore mining installations, and environmental management. The Qualcomm 212S is the first IoT-NTN-only modem from Qualcomm Technologies that supports the 3GPP Release 17 standards for satellite communications. It is designed for cost efficiency, focusing only on the essentials required for satellite communications.

The Qualcomm 212S is compatible with the recently announced Qualcomm QCM4490 Processor, facilitating ultra-low power satellite connectivity for industrial handheld devices. This integration enables time-critical, two-way messaging capabilities and one-way payload delivery between devices and customer endpoints or the Qualcomm Aware cloud, while promoting extended device usage.

On the other hand, the Qualcomm 9205S Modem enables IoT devices to seamlessly connect to cellular and satellite networks, ensuring virtually uninterrupted coverage. It integrates GNSS to provide location data, making it suitable for industrial applications that require always-on hybrid connectivity.

Use cases include transoceanic shipping container tracking, agricultural equipment and livestock tracking, and global fleet and freight tracking for supply chain management, including logistics partners involved in remote deliveries. The Qualcomm 9205S shares a similar architecture with the Qualcomm 9205 Modem, allowing easy equipment design upgrades to incorporate satellite connectivity and enable hybrid connectivity. With adherence to 3GPP Release 17 standards for satellite communications, the Qualcomm 9205S simplifies the establishment of IoT-NTN connectivity using GEO/GSO satellites, eliminating the need for orientation-specific device positioning.

Both the Qualcomm 212S and Qualcomm 9205S seamlessly integrate with the Qualcomm Aware Platform, providing NTN connectivity services and device management in remote areas or for critical decision-making based on accurate real-time data.

Industry support for Qualcomm Technologies’ new IoT-NTN solutions has already been significant. The Qualcomm 212S Modem will be available later this year, while the Qualcomm 9205S Modem is currently available.