A simulation of Sateliot’s constellation. Photo: Sateliot

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has approved Sateliot’s plan to launch a constellation of 100 nanosatellites for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. Sateliot announced in November that it is now permitted to coordinate the frequencies of its nanosatellite constellation with telecom operators. The company now plans to begin a round of talks with the space operators and public administrations to ensure frequency compatibility. 

Sateliot, which is based in Spain, is planning to build a constellation of nanosatellites at low altitudes that act as mobile towers in space as a complement to telcos to provide connectivity for the IoT beyond the limits of terrestrial infrastructure, under 5G protocol. 

In addition, the 3GPP working group for non-terrestrial IoT networks also plans to discuss a Sateliot proposal to include a scenario for LEO nanosatellite networks providing IOT services in the definition of the 5G standard.