Luxembourg-based satellite operator OQ Technology has signed a strategic partnership with Dutch telecoms provider KPN to extend 5G connectivity for internet-of-things devices beyond terrestrial networks.
The agreement allows KPN customers to roam onto OQ’s constellation of Low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, giving them access to global coverage across remote land and maritime routes. The move is aimed at sectors such as shipping, logistics, energy, and agriculture, which often require connectivity in areas where traditional networks fail.
Jeffrey Rosink, Commercial Roaming Manager at KPN, said the tie-up would “bridge the gap in global connectivity, even in the most remote and challenging environments, from polar regions to oceans”.
Unlike geostationary (GEO) satellites, which orbit far above the Earth, LEO systems are able to deliver higher performance in areas where coverage has historically been patchy — including polar latitudes above 70 degrees and obstructed environments with limited visibility of the equatorial sky.
Omar Qaise, Founder and Chief Executive of OQ Technology, said: “This partnership with KPN is another step toward our vision of making 5G IoT truly global. Our LEO satellites provide seamless coverage even at extreme latitudes and across oceanic routes, areas where other technologies fall short.”
Founded in 2016, OQ Technology has positioned itself as a pioneer in satellite-based 5G non-terrestrial networks, combining terrestrial infrastructure with direct-to-device connectivity from space.
The company, which counts Aramco, Deutsche Telekom, and Telefónica among its partners, is expanding its satellite fleet as it seeks to capture demand for reliable machine-to-machine communications across borders.
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