Vodafone and Inmarsat have announced a roaming agreement, with the ambition to enable international satellite and cellular roaming connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT).
Delivering greater reliability and reach, the collaboration aims to offer 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 agreement has not been disclosed with any financial commitment from either of the two organisations, but it is expected the partnership will aid Vodafone’s strategy to grow its customers.
Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Access Network (BGAN) complements Vodafone’s current connectivity portfolio with lower bandwidth, lighter weight, and more portable satellite communications resilience in harsh weather.
Rupert Pearce, CEO of Inmarsat said: “Deploying satellite connectivity to complement terrestrial networks for IoT applications changes the Internet of Things into the Internet of Everywhere.
“This agreement marks a first for Inmarsat; enabling a mobile operator to utilise broadband roaming services on our global network.”
The satellite-powered IoT allows organisations to extend their services beyond terrestrial networks, where they have remote connectivity requirements across various extreme environmental conditions. This includes sectors such as, agri-tech, utilities, oil and gas and transportation.
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Ivo Rook, Director of IoT, Vodafone 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.
Vodafone also recently announced its use of LTE-V2X for the testing of vehicle-to-vehicle communications, adding new 5G capabilities to automated cars.
Ive Rook added: “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.”
