Optus is looking to beef up its network with IoT connectivity in remote parts of the country by partnering with telco-nanosatellite solutions provider Myriota.
Adelaide-based Myriota’s platform uses a series of low Earth orbit nanosatellites to retrieve data from IoT modules across the country and sends it back to the cloud to be distributed by the customer.
According to Optus, the partnership will provide low-cost, long battery life connectivity for devices in remote and regional areas across Australia.
Optus only name-checked one potential use-cases for its IoT network: asset tracking.
“Working with innovative startups like Myriota allows Optus Business to help our customers capture the business improvements of next generation technologies,” said Optus Business managing director Chris. Mitchell. “We are excited by the possibilities this agreement presents.”
Myriota CEO Dr Alex Grant added logistics and farming to that list, saying “Previously, satellite connectivity has not been available or affordable for businesses with remote assets, but nanosatellites are providing a more attainable and affordable solution.”
“By combining Optus’ national networks with our nanosatellite capability, we are able to offer a truly holistic IoT solution and help solve connectivity issues being faced in regional Australia.”
Telstra is the other major Australian telco that wants to bring IoT to every corner of the country, switching on its CAT M1 network in August 2017, followed by its narrowband IoT network in January 2018. Telstra is going about IoT differently to Optus though, opting to upgrade its existing mobile towers with IoT-enabled technology rather than satellites.
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