Eleanor Hecks, Managing Editor of Designerly Magazine weighs up satellite IoT versus cellular: pros, cons, and use cases
IoT comes in various formats. Cellular IoT is what most people refer to as data — 4G and 5G infrastructure that connects people to the world without the Internet. Satellite IoT uses direct-to-equipment communications that expand the reach of conventional networks. These are not their only distinctions, and each one has niche applications. Discover how they relate, differ and compete against each other.
Satellite IoT
Satellite IoT extends to the far reaches of space. It is less prominent in the public’s minds because cellular IoT is mentioned more often, but it is arguably just as important.
Pros of satellite IoT
One of the best aspects of satellite IoT is its expansive coverage. Satellites surround the Earth, meaning people can communicate with them from nearly everywhere in the world. They can be a positive force for the environment as well. Many places still do not have cellular phones, making satellites better for remote locations. Satellites also connect people in the event of an emergency because they are more reliable than cellular.
Cons of satellite IoT
Sending technology into low-Earth orbit is expensive. Everything from updating hardware to executing maintenance carries a high price tag, though this will shift as remote capabilities expand. Additionally, its low speeds and high latency make satellite less-than-ideal for some applications. These factors also influence battery life on connected devices since the struggle to stay connected can deplete the battery.
Use cases of satellite IoT
These industries gain the most value from satellite IoT, despite the drawbacks:
- Transportation: land, air and maritime vehicle and asset tracking
- Emergency services: nackup communications when service is unavailable
- Agricultural and environmental sectors: crop, soil, water and animal monitoring
Industrial and construction applications can also leverage 4G and 5G networks to heighten communications for field work. Cellular IoT is an excellent example of how quickly telecoms is advancing, as 5G is 100 times faster than its predecessor. Predicting 6G only incites optimism.
Cellular IoT
Cellular tech is ubiquitous in modern society, but how does it relate to and impact the IoT?
Pros of cellular IoT
Cellular IoT is much cheaper to implement than satellites. It involves ground-level technologies, making it far more accessible for companies and governments to justify. It handles higher bandwidths than satellites, and some cellular IoT can power entire cities. With its lower latencies, it has quick response times while putting less technical strain on connected devices.
Cons of cellular IoT
This infrastructure is limited worldwide, exacerbating the already existing digital divide. As the equipment becomes less expensive and citizen interest increases, this issue will hopefully be resolved. Even if the infrastructure is available, it does not mean service uptime will be consistent. It could go down at any time, causing user frustration.
Use cases of cellular IoT
Cellular IoT has numerous practical applications that many have interacted with in their daily life, including:
- Smart technologies: home devices, city assets and more
- Retail: automated warehouse management and point-of-sale assistance
- Health care: patient monitoring and wearable medical devices
- Industry: Industry 4.0 and 5.0 applications with predictive maintenance and forecasting
The uses of cellular IoT for businesses are as large as any implementing company’s imagination. For example, retailers have used cellular IoT to create digital signage, which forms a futuristic atmosphere by advertising new items and brands in a fresh way. Impacts range from more engaging advertising campaigns to enhanced audience engagement.
Satellite vs. cellular IoT at a glance
Here is a quick overview of the two to discern the most critical distinctions.
| Satellite IoT | Cellular IoT | |
| Cost | Expensive | Accessible |
| Coverage | Global | Restricted based on infrastructure |
| Power requirements | Higher | Lower |
| Speeds | Slower | Faster |
| Latency | Higher | Lower |
| Applications | Remote surveillance | Hands-on applications, smart tech |
Their strengths complement each other. Nations continue to explore both technologies and their potential to enhance industry operations, assist essential sectors and connect the 2.9 billion people worldwide without online access.
Signalling the Ddfferences
Despite their similar goals, satellite and cellular IoT vary drastically. Humanity cannot survive in such a transmission- and data-based society without them working together. Building infrastructure for both is crucial for keeping communications open across the world. The two will continue operating synergetically, improving yearly as new technologies reveal themselves.
Eleanor Hecks is the Managing Editor at Designerly Magazine, where she’s passionate about covering IoT news and insights for businesses. She’s also a mobile app designer with a focus on UI.
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