Satellite communications firm Viasat has launched its IoT Nano connectivity service to deliver two-way messaging across the globe.

IoT Nano is designed to meet growing global demand for cost-effective, low-data, low-power, IoT services across remote and difficult environments where mobile connectivity is often required. With IoT Nano, businesses can monitor and control fixed and mobile assets across industries such as agriculture, transport, utilities, mining and environmental monitoring, all with reliable satellite coverage through the California company’s global L-band network.

IoT Nano (www.viasat.com/enterprise/services/iot-nano) is powered by Orbcomm’s OGx satellite IoT service, an evolution of the IDP (IsatData Pro) service that offers faster message delivery speeds, larger message sizes and more hardware options than its predecessor. This service expands Viasat’s portfolio of IoT connectivity services, which range from low data rate NB-IoT services to static VSat IoT offerings.

“The IoT Nano service represents a significant advancement in providing flexible, scalable and energy-efficient IoT connectivity to businesses operating in the most remote corners of the world,” said Andy Kessler, vice president at Viasat. “By leveraging the enhanced capabilities of the Orbcomm OGx service and equipping our partner ecosystem with new low-cost modules and service capabilities, we are empowering customers with access to smarter data, more frequently, in more places, at a lower cost.”

The service delivers near real-time visibility and situational awareness, as well as richer, more actionable data for end users. It will continue to support IDP mode, both preserving existing customer investments in IDP while enhancing capabilities for reduced power consumption, larger messages and faster speeds to enable new higher value use cases in OGx mode.

This should also help lower costs in some cases by optimising power usage, resulting in smaller and cheaper solar panels, batteries and enclosures.

The service offers capabilities for OEMs and providers looking to build their own terminals and devices using embedded third-party modules. This approach will allow OEMs and IoT providers to develop hardware that will support a wide variety of IoT applications with a range of data requirements. Viasat offers full development resources through its Elevate partner programme (www.viasat.com/enterprise/elevate/join-elevate). Additionally, the service supports a range of Orbcomm terminals and modules.

“OGx delivers faster speeds, larger messages and lower power usage, all backed by Orbcomm’s proven terminals, network and field support,” said Dave Roscoe, president of satellite IoT at Orbcomm (www.orbcomm.com). “We are excited to partner with Viasat to enable providers to build and scale IoT applications across industries including agriculture, transportation, maritime, oil and gas, heavy equipment, and mining. By lowering the cost and increasing the effectiveness of satellite connectivity, OGx makes it possible for our partners to enter new markets, expand use cases and drive incremental growth.”

Viasat (www.viasat.com) is a communications company with offices in 24 countries around the world. In 2023, it completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies.