Qualcomm headquarters. Photo: Wikipedia

Qualcomm Technologies, one of the biggest names in the telecoms world, is releasing two new modem chipsets with satellite capability, the company announced June 22. The two modems: the Qualcomm 212S modem and the Qualcomm 9205S modem will power off-grid industrial use cases that require standalone non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity or hybrid connectivity alongside terrestrial networks, and aims to allow IoT enterprises, developers, ODMs, and OEMs to harness real-time information and insights to manage business projects.

These new modems are launched in collaboration with NTN service provider Skylo, which will deliver satellite connectivity through the Qualcomm Aware Platform using its network of satellite operators.

The Qualcomm 212S Modem is the company’s first IoT-NTN-only modem that supports the 3GPP Release 17 standards for satellite communications. It can enable stationary IoT devices to use satellite communication for off-grid connectivity.

The Qualcomm 9205S Modem aims to enable IoT devices to connect to cellular and satellite networks and integrates GNSS to provide location data. It aims to be ideal for industrial applications that require always-on, hybrid terrestrial and satellite connectivity for goods and assets on the move. Applications include transoceanic shipping container tracking, agricultural equipment and livestock tracking, global fleet and freight tracking for supply chain management including for logistics partners that perform remote deliveries.

“Our Qualcomm 212S and Qualcomm 9205S chips take our IoT tracking and monitoring capabilities one step further, providing connectivity and coverage even in the most remote areas. These products also further showcase our ability to bring and scale superior innovations to even the most challenging and complex IoT environments,” Jeff Torrance, senior vice president and general manager, connected smart systems, Qualcomm Technologies, said in a statement.