Sateliot, the Barcelona-based 5G IoT satellite telecommunications operator, has completed what it calls an industry first: a successful 5G IoT data transmission from a standard commercial cellular device directly through a low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite.
The test marks a major step towards integrating terrestrial and space-based networks, confirming that off-the-shelf IoT hardware can connect seamlessly to satellites without modification.
The achievement, carried out with Norwegian chipmaker Nordic Semiconductor and Danish software firm Gatehouse Satcom, is being hailed as a breakthrough for Europe’s ambitions in satellite-enabled communications.
The demonstration used Nordic’s nRF9151 low-power cellular IoT module, which connected to Sateliot’s LEO constellation to send a message end to end. The module, designed for use in conventional mobile networks, functioned in orbit as if roaming on a terrestrial network.
The companies said the transmission complies with the 5G NB-IoT Release 17 standard — a key element of global interoperability in future 5G satellite systems. Gatehouse Satcom provided software validation to ensure full protocol alignment across the satellite link.
Sateliot said the technology could extend IoT coverage to the 80% of the planet currently beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, from oceans and deserts to remote industrial and agricultural sites. Potential applications include logistics, environmental monitoring, and defence.
“This is a technological, commercial, and strategic milestone, comparable to Starlink’s first connection with a mobile phone,” said Jaume Sanpera, Sateliot’s Chief Executive and co-founder. “It proves that Europe can also lead the democratisation of connectivity from space.”
Oyvind Birkenes, Executive Vice President at Nordic Semiconductor, said the breakthrough could help overcome a longstanding bottleneck in the IoT market. “The lack of global and harmonised coverage has held back the IoT and M2M markets for years,” he said. “This makes it possible to deploy low-power devices with satellite connectivity at scale.”
Jesper Noer, Vice-President Commercial at Gatehouse Satcom, added that the collaboration showed “how standardised technology, brought together, can move mountains”.
Sateliot has signed recurring contracts worth €250 million with more than 450 customers in over 50 countries. It forecasts €1 billion in annual revenue by 2030 as it expands its satellite constellation and commercial partnerships.
The company’s latest test consolidates Europe’s bid for competitiveness, security, and strategic autonomy in next-generation communications — and positions the region as a contender in the race to bring affordable, global IoT coverage from orbit.
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