Virtual satellite network operator, Wyld Networks, announced it has partnered with Eutelsat Communications, Senet, and TrakAssure, forming a consortium to bring integrated and interoperable terrestrial and satellite LoRaWAN IoT connectivity to customers across the globe.
Through platform integrations, innovative sensor and hardware design, collaborative service delivery, and compelling pricing, the companies are initially targeting the global supply chain, including container logistics and related asset tracking, as the first application.
End-to-end managed network services delivered through this collaboration will provide a new level of visibility into supply chain operations. This will be followed by the delivery of additional solutions designed to extend the adoption of LoRaWAN connectivity for other applications that can benefit from the combination of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and terrestrial network connectivity.
TrakAssure and Wyld Networks are collaborating on the design and production of a new sensor-enabled end device to be used for supply chain and asset tracking solutions. Wyld is designing and producing the hardware module along with unique firmware. Using standard LoRaWAN compliant chips and components will allow for low cost and time to market advantages.
Eutelsat will provide LoRaWAN coverage via low earth orbiting satellites while Senet will provide terrestrial LoRaWAN network connectivity. Senet currently offers technology in over eighty countries and owns and operates the largest publicly available terrestrial LoRaWAN network in the United States.
The initial focus for the consortium, which is called Multimodal IoT Infrastructure Consortium (MMIIC), is on formalising and completing all technical tests, pilots, and the commercial delivery of its first-to-market supply chain solutions.
The companies are planning a commercial services launch in the second half of 2022 with pilots beginning in February 2022.
“The lack of affordable and global wireless coverage is holding back the growth of the Internet of Things from contributing an additional $2–3tn in value to global GDP over the next decade”, commented Alastair Williamson, CEO of Wyld Networks. “The creation of this consortium forms a part of our strategy of creating affordable IoT coverage anywhere in the world. In parallel we will continue to partner with other companies to further support the commercial rollout of our service.”