EchoStar 21 satellite. Photo: SSL.

EchoStar Mobile, a mobile operator providing connectivity across Europe, and networking solutions provider RigNet agreed to promote and distribute EchoStar Mobile Internet Protocol (IP)-based Mobile Satellite Services (MSS) for voice and data to RigNet’s European customer base.

RigNet will distribute equipment and provide connectivity services via the EchoStar XXI spacecraft operating in the S-band spectrum (with a complementary ground component) licensed in the 28 European member states. Equipment for the EchoStar Mobile network, including IP voice and data terminals, is designed and manufactured by EchoStar subsidiary Hughes Network Systems.

“This new partnership with RigNet is a step change in industrial IoT connectivity for businesses across Europe,” said Anders Johnson, executive director of EchoStar Mobile and president of EchoStar Satellite Services L.L.C. “Working with a world class leader in digital transformation helping global organizations to connect and transform their business gives us the unique opportunity to position satellite services in the fast growing Industrial IoT market. RigNet has all the capabilities to market and distribute the innovative EchoStar Mobile data services across Europe. We are all very excited about the next stage of this relationship.”