Smartellite Dynamic Ku-band Satellite Terminal Photo: hiSky

Inmarsat and hiSky have completed testing of hiSky’s Smartellite terminals with Inmarsat’s Global Xpress (GX) network. The two companies announced the successful testing July. 5. The move marks the first step in a long-term partnership between the two companies, utilizing Inmarsat’s Geostationary (GEO) Ka-band capabilities to provide a low-cost, high-value offering to hiSky’s IoT customers.

hiSky’s Smartellite terminal communicated with Inmarsat’s GX network – with its signals being received by ground infrastructure in Scotland and transferring throughout hiSky’s IoT network offering. The companies said this service enables IoT device connectivity, as well as voice calls and messaging for both mobile and static enterprise assets. The technology will be available to customers active in enterprise sectors including agriculture, transport, mining, energy and utilities across selected territories.

“Improved connectivity can be a game-changer for businesses located in remote, hard-to-reach locations – enhancing productivity, as well as maintaining the safety and wellbeing of those touched by the technology. We’re looking forward to progressing the partnership into use-case scenarios and partnering with major industry players to demonstrate the efficiencies, both in cost and in operations that Inmarsat’s GX network can provide to hiSky’s customers,” Phil Meyers, general manager of hiSky said in a statement.