Totum Labs global tracking chip. Photo: Totum Labs

Totum reports it has demonstrated a bidirectional communication between a fully integrated system-on-a-chip and a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. The company claims this is the first operation of indoor direct-to-satellite Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity. 

Totum’s satellite communicated with a terrestrial endpoint located in a San Diego office building, demonstrating a miniature omnidirectional antenna. The company describes its technology as “a constellation of LEO nanosatellites and optimized device silicon. A revolutionary wireless waveform provides worldwide coverage, indoor connectivity, and an embedded footprint the size of a postage stamp.” Orca Systems is its silicon partner. 

In addition, the company says it has advance orders for 2 million devices for its IoT service through partnerships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), solution providers, and value-added resellers.  

“We’ve effectively created a whole new category for IoT connectivity,” says CCO Dave Gell. “Combining the global coverage of satellite with an indoor reach comparable to cellular puts us in a unique position to solve some of the thorniest problems in IoT today. Critically, we’re able to do this with a total cost of ownership (TCO) that beats cellular.