M2M One launches IoT industrial satellite connectivity solution

M2M One has unveiled a new satellite connectivity service that combines airtime and hardware to support remote industries across Australia and New Zealand.

The company claims M2M One Satellite Airtime is Australia's first industrial Internet of Things (IoT) satellite solution that pairs data plans with premium hardware in a single offering.

It means M2M channel partners can offer satellite connectivity on provider networks, which includes Iridium Communications, and Inmarsat.

M2M One Satellite Airtime targets mission-critical applications that require backup connectivity when land-based cellular systems fail.

Target industries include mining, energy, agriculture, logistics, fleet management, defence, aviation, autonomous systems and emergency services.

Key applications encompass asset and vehicle tracking, environmental monitoring, conditions monitoring, critical communication, wellness wearables, surveillance and site safety in remote locations.

The satellite service will be supported by hardware from IoT specialists M2M Connectivity, one of Australia's largest distributors and suppliers of IoT devices, representing 30 global manufacturers.

M2M One will offer satellite bundles combining airtime and hardware in tiers designed to meet requirements for both small and large deployments. The company will also provide airtime and hardware as standalone products.

A team of local IoT engineers will support the service delivery.

Kat Dempsey, senior director for revenue and services Asia-Pacific at Semtech, the parent company of M2M One, said the IoT company have worked closely with its partners and customers through proof-of-concept initiatives and targeted projects to gain insights.

"These learnings, combined with our global perspective and strategic partnerships, are driving our ability to deliver simplified, customer-focused solutions to market," Dempsey added

"Satellite connectivity plays a vital role in supporting Australian industries, yet current solutions remain expensive and complicated – leaving customers to independently source, integrate, and manage their own data and hardware."

M2M One has named Byron Thanopoulos as director of product management for IoT connected services in the Asia-Pacific region to launch the solution and expand the customer base.

Thanoupoulos is a former director at global technology company Asurion.

"M2M One has long set the benchmark for excellence in IoT services, and I'm thrilled to be part of the team as we expand into satellite connectivity," Thanoupoulos said.

M2M One's existing customer deployments include small vessel monitoring for AssetLink Global, critical communications for the Country Fire Authority, and emergency satellite connectivity for the New South Wales Rural Fire Service.