According to IoT Analytics, the global market for satellite IoT connectivity is projected to grow at a CAGR of 26%, reaching $4.7 billion by 2030. Currently, the satellite IoT market is dominated by proprietary modules – meaning that if you want to use Iridium’s SBD service, you need an Iridium SBD module. These modules and accompanying protocols have been tailor-made for satellite communication, and can move large data payloads quickly and reliably, making them perfect for critical IoT applications such as alerts, command and control, and critical infrastructure.

The growth projected by IoT Analytics is anticipated to largely come from standards-based, rather than proprietary, IoT connectivity. This means using standards built for cellular to move data over satellite, so you can use the same chipset that you would use for cellular NB-IoT to access non-terrestrial NB-IoT (in this context, satellite-based connectivity is almost always referred to as NTN – non-terrestrial network). Analysts believe that the lower cost of modules, ability to switch suppliers, and extremely low power requirements will facilitate new, massive IoT applications.

That said, the cost of manufacturing proprietary modules – which have historically commanded a higher premium – is falling, as scale manufacturers like u-blox and Quectel have started to produce these at a much lower cost. Any massive IoT application which is not latency-tolerant, and/or needs to move larger volumes of data, will have options to explore in the proprietary module space, too.

In this blog post, however, we’re exploring NTN NB-IoT in detail, with the goal of helping systems integrators and network architects evaluate whether this emerging technology will suit their remote connectivity application.

What is NTN NB-IoT?

NB-IoT, or Narrowband Internet of Things, is a cellular technology standardized by 3GPP Release 13 in 2016. It was specifically designed for the Internet of Things. NB-IoT falls into the category of Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies. LPWAN technologies are tailored for devices with specific requirements, distinct from smartphones or mobile broadband connections. Key characteristics include:

Small Data Amounts

Devices are designed to send relatively small amounts of data, typically a few bytes or kilobytes, infrequently. This is suitable for simple sensor data or control commands.

Long Battery Life

Due to minimal data transmission and optimized radio usage, these devices are built to operate for extended periods on battery and/or solar power, often for several years.

Low Hardware Cost

LPWAN technologies typically have low cost hardware costs, which is essential for IoT deployments involving hundreds or thousands of devices spread over large geographical areas.

Wide Area Coverage

LPWAN technologies offer long range, low power, small packet connectivity over extensive areas, enabling huge numbers of devices to run for years on a single battery.

NB-IoT achieves these goals by using a subset of features from traditional LTE cellular technology, operating within a narrow slice of the radio spectrum (80 kilohertz bandwidth). This narrow bandwidth and simpler protocols are key to power efficiency and low cost, reducing the complexity and power consumption of the device’s modem. However, terrestrial NB-IoT devices can only send data in areas with reliable cellular coverage.

Non-Terrestrial Network Narrowband IoT (NTN NB-IoT) combines NB-IoT’s low power, low cost cellular technology with satellite communication, enabling devices to connect via satellites in addition to, or instead of, terrestrial towers.

NTN NB-IoT will, when fully mature as a technology, enable global IoT deployments, for projects involving large numbers of simple, low power, low data devices spread across remote areas and across borders. It extends the benefits of NB-IoT beyond its terrestrial limitations, delivering (depending on the satellite network) up to 100% global coverage.

What are the Benefits of NTN NB-IoT?

In addition to being extremely power efficient, the key benefits of cellular NB-IoT is that it operates in licensed spectrum controlled by Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and standardized by 3GPP, which offers dedicated capacity, more flexibility in the cellular network for switching and roaming, and multi-vendor support for devices and network infrastructure.

NTN NB-IoT similarly operates within licensed spectrum, in this case, controlled by Satellite Network Operators (SNOs) like Viasat and Iridium. It is actively being standardized within 3GPP; initial support for NTN was introduced in Release 17, and Release 18 (launched mid-2024) is significantly advancing NTN integration into the 5G system. It uses a narrow spectrum of the L-Band, S-Band and Ka-Band frequencies, allowing IoT devices to communicate with LEO, MEO and GEO satellite constellations.

Mobile IoT devices equipped with NTN NB-IoT modules can move from terrestrial networks to satellite networks without needing to use a proprietary module. This means IoT devices can be built with a single chipset that delivers NB-IoT connectivity over both cellular and satellite networks, reducing hardware costs because of production economies of scale.

As noted earlier, proprietary modules are also set to benefit from these scale economics, as large chipset manufacturers like u-blox and Quectel are adding the production of these to their portfolio. A key distinction, however, is that a proprietary module will only allow you to connect with one satellite constellation, whereas an NTN NB-IoT module could connect to any satellite network that supports NTN NB-IoT, which could reduce airtime pricing thanks to competition. It will be some years before there is adequate coverage for this to be realized, however.

The promise of NTN NB-IoT lowering the cost of satellite connectivity has the potential to unlock new massive IoT applications in fields such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and global asset tracking.

Challenges for NTN NB-IoT

Like its cellular counterpart, NTN NB-IoT is designed for large scale, battery-powered deployments. However, communicating with a satellite using a standards-based module, rather than a proprietary satellite modem, brings a new set of technical and economic challenges to overcome.

Higher Latency

While cellular NB-IoT can achieve sub-second latency, NTN NB-IoT introduces significantly higher delays due to the long round-trip to orbiting satellites. Latency can range from several seconds to tens of seconds depending on link quality, protocol, and retry mechanisms. Applications must be tolerant of delayed responses and asynchronous communication.

Increased Battery Usage

Satellite transmissions require higher power output from the radio module to maintain a stable link, particularly in marginal conditions or at low elevation angles. Combined with longer active sessions (due to higher latency), this can drain batteries faster than in terrestrial NB-IoT deployments. Efficient power management and optimized duty cycling become critical.

Antenna Positioning

Terrestrial NB-IoT signals can penetrate walls and underground spaces, allowing flexible antenna placement. NTN NB-IoT requires a clear, unobstructed view of the sky to connect to a satellite, and in many cases, line of sight to a specific satellite at a fixed angle. This can complicate deployments, especially in mountainous or forested environments.

Coverage

NTN NB-IoT coverage is currently limited to specific regions: spot beams lit over North America, Europe, parts of South America, and Australasia. Coverage is expanding, but it’s far from global. Cellular NB-IoT, by contrast, offers much broader regional coverage wherever networks have been deployed and roaming agreements are in place.

Costs

Although standards-based NTN NB-IoT is cheaper than some proprietary satellite services, it’s many times more expensive than cellular NB-IoT. It is more expensive than proprietary options if you exceed monthly data volumes ~30 kB. Cost models are evolving, but pricing will reflect the more limited spectrum and capacity available in space.

Network Congestion

Satellite networks have far less capacity than terrestrial ones, and as NTN NB-IoT adoption grows, so will contention. Congestion may lead to failed transmissions, backoff delays, or restricted access during peak times, especially in areas with high device density or where consumer direct-to-device (D2D) services compete for bandwidth.

Lower Data Rates

NTN NB-IoT operates at significantly lower physical data rates than terrestrial NB-IoT - typically 1-2 Kbps vs. tens or hundreds of Kbps - and enforces small message sizes (e.g., 256 bytes max). This makes it well-suited for small, infrequent payloads, but unsuitable for bandwidth-heavy or real-time applications.

Data Optimization for NTN NB-IoT

For remote NTN NB-IoT applications, sending occasional small data packets becomes essential to reduce signaling duration and battery energy usage, as well as to minimize costly per-byte satellite usage.

When it comes to selecting how data is transferred, there are two options provided by the key players in the industry: IP and Message-based protocols. And to meet the data constraints of remote NTN NB-IoT applications, these protocols become a choice between UDP/IP and NIDD (Non-IP Data Delivery).

Here’s an example to highlight the differences between UDP/IP and NIDD data packet sizes.

A simple water level sensor is sending a status reading and the raw data is 18 bytes long. On top of that, the application running on the device is using CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol), which adds a 4-byte header. This creates a payload of 22 bytes of application data.

To send this message using a traditional UDP/IP stack, the IP and UDP headers add a further 28 bytes, resulting in a total packet size of 50 bytes. By contrast, using NIDD the message is transmitted without any IP or UDP headers, so the total packet size remains just 22 bytes. This efficiency makes NIDD particularly well suited to low-power, low-data IoT devices operating over NTN networks, where every byte of airtime and every milliwatt of battery power matters.

UDP/IP vs NIDD for NTN NB-IoT Applications

So, the case for using NIDD for NTN NB-IoT is that it reduces the size of data packets to be sent to the satellite, and therefore reduces satellite byte costs, while drawing less power. However, the key benefit of UDP/IP is that the same IP address can be used when moving between cellular and satellite, which is useful for applications which cover devices moving in and out of cellular range, such as maritime vessels or pipeline monitoring.

Comparing UDP/IP and NIDD Benefits

Depending on their agreement with the SNO, some NTN NB-IoT service providers will be offering UDP/IP and/or NIDD solutions, and there are benefits and drawbacks to both. Here is a comparison table to highlight the key differences between each method of data transfer.

UDP/IP over NTN NB-IoT

NIDD (Non-IP) over NTN NB-IoT

Protocol Overhead

IPv4+UDP adds 28 bytes header per packet. Some NTN offerings bill with a 50-byte minimum that includes this IP/UDP header.

No IP/UDP header; payload is carried on signaling (control-plane), avoiding the 28-byte IP/UDP overhead of UDP.

Power Consumption

Higher than NIDD for tiny, intermittent messages because you transmit extra header bytes and maintain an IP data session.

Lower for small, sporadic messages by eliminating IP overhead and using signaling paths designed for low power.

Integration

Easier for standard IP apps; minor firmware/backend changes may be needed.

Requires SCEF/I-API support and backend changes to map messages to your application.

Security

Runs over the Internet path; secure with DTLS/TLS and/or VPN. NAT/VPN commonly recommended for inbound traffic.

Data doesn’t traverse the public Internet; operator exposure functions provide an extra security boundary.

Roaming

Single IP address when moving terrestrial ↔ satellite.

Satellite‑only: no IP address for cellular roam; each uplink uses the NTN pathway.

Best For...

Applications that move in/out of cellular coverage (e.g., maritime, logistics).

Ultra‑low data, stationary sensors where minimizing airtime and power is paramount.

Cost & Minimum Payload Considerations

The economics of NTN NB‑IoT hinge heavily on each provider’s minimum supported packet size. Today, Skylo enforces a 50 B floor (including headers) on every UDP/IP message, effectively eliminating NIDD’s payload‑size savings until true NIDD support arrives. Likewise, Sateliot offers standard 3GPP Rel‑17 NB‑IoT over satellite (UDP/IP only) and hasn’t published any reduced‑overhead or NIDD option, so ultra‑small packet users are forced into that same ~50 B envelope.

Until more satellite operators clarify their packet‑size limits or introduce truly NIDD‑capable services, many “tiny telemetry” applications will find themselves priced out of the savings NIDD could otherwise deliver.

The first full NIDD offerings won’t arrive until H1 2026, when Viasat IoT Direct launches its satellite‑only NB‑IoT SIM, complete with both UDP/IP and NIDD modes. Shortly after, Iridium NTN Direct – built on 3GPP Release 19 NTN enhancements – will also bring standardized NIDD support (devices expected in 2026).

In the meantime, proprietary satellite‑IoT networks such as Iridium SBD and Viasat IoT Nano bill in 10 B increments, making them the only current options for truly tiny, cost‑efficient uplinks – albeit at the price of custom hardware and vendor lock-in.

NTN NB‑IoT Service Timeline

Early 2024 – Summer 2025

  • Skylo rolls out its Release 17-based service (UDP/IP only) via partner MNOs across the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and select European markets
  • Sateliot operates a demo LEO fleet for Rel 17 NB‑IoT trials; today’s service is UDP/IP only, with no published NIDD option.

 

H2 2025 (Pilot & Dev Kits)

  • Viasat IoT Direct appears in partner POCs and developer previews (e.g., Ground Control’s Cloudloop integration), with two way NB‑IoT over L‑band. UDP/IP today, NIDD to follow.

 

H1 2026 (Projected Commercial Launch)

  • Viasat IoT Direct full release: satellite‑only NB‑IoT SIM supporting both UDP/IP and NIDD payloads
  • Iridium NTN Direct enters commercial service built on 3GPP Release 19 NTN enhancements (including standardized NIDD support).

 

Will NTN NB‑IoT Open New Markets for Satellite IoT?

NTN NB‑IoT holds clear potential to bring truly global, low‑power IoT to industries unable to leverage terrestrial networks; think widespread environmental sensing, remote infrastructure monitoring and asset tracking in the world’s most isolated regions. However, two pivotal commercial variables will determine how far it can go:

  • Cost per Byte & Minimum Packet Size: Until services offer sub‑30 B NIDD payloads at competitive rates (versus today’s 50 B UDP/IP floors or proprietary 10 B options), many micropacket use cases will remain marginal.
  • Network Capacity & Congestion Management: Supporting massive fleets of devices over narrow satellite channels requires robust scheduling, interference mitigation and priority handling – features still under development in Rel 17/18 NTN specs and vendor implementations.

 

Importantly, NTN NB‑IoT does not replace today’s proven proprietary services; it adds to the IoT toolbox. Solutions like Iridium SBD/IMT and Viasat IoT Nano will continue to serve critical, higher throughput or low latency applications, where SLAs, two‑way command/control and strong QoS are non‑negotiable. And, as discussed, the advent of scale manufacturers taking over the production of proprietary modules is set to bring down the cost of these services. NTN NB‑IoT, by contrast, unlocks a new class of latency-tolerant, very small data deployments of homogenous hardware across areas with a mix of cellular and satellite coverage.

Once Viasat IoT Direct and Iridium NTN Direct deliver standardized NIDD in 2026, expect a step‑change: low power, low cost satellite IoT scaling from niche pilots into planet‑wide solutions, while incumbent proprietary networks remain the go‑to for mission‑critical workloads.

Talk to Us About NTN NB-IoT

We’re experts in satellite IoT and asset tracking, and are actively working on new NTN NB-IoT enabled hardware and service integrations with our IoT platform, Cloudloop.

If you have questions about how NTN NB-IoT could enable your IoT projects, please email hello@groundcontrol.com or complete the form to tell us about your requirements, and we’ll reply within one working day.

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In today’s rapidly evolving landscape of remote monitoring and data acquisition, integrating reliable communication systems is crucial. RockBLOCK RTU integration provides a robust solution for industries such as environmental monitoring, agriculture, and industrial automation, ensuring seamless data collection and transmission from remote locations.
In this post, we will discuss the integration of RockBLOCK RTU, and show how we have configured it to work with the Campbell Scientific CR1000.

What is RockBLOCK RTU, and Why Does it Matter?

RockBLOCK RTU is a low-power, rugged, waterproof remote I/O device designed for permanent installation in harsh outdoor environments. Utilizing Iridium’s Short Burst Data (SBD) satellite service, RockBLOCK RTU supports two way communication anywhere on the globe, ensuring reliable connectivity even in the most remote locations.

Combined with Ground Control’s Cloudloop Services Suite (Subscription Manager and Cloudloop Data), RockBLOCK RTU allows users to land, visualize, store and forward their data in a flexible environment that is easy to integrate with. Aside from the Cloudloop suite, the RockBLOCK RTU supports physical analogue and digital inputs and outputs that can be locally programmed to trigger based on thresholds or actions.

How we integrated the CR1000 with the RockBLOCK RTU

Step 1: Understanding the Data Format
The RockBLOCK RTU system supports a structured data format that includes:

  • Channels CH16 to CH31 mapped to General Purpose Sentence (GPS) data
  • Each channel supports 5-digit values (00000 to 65533)
  • Comma-separated values within the data string.

 

Example Data String:

STXGP0,…,GP15,ETXCHECKSUMCRLF
STX = 0x02 (HEX) – (Start of Sentence)
ETX = 0x03 (HEX) – (End of Sentence)
CHECKSUM = Between STX and ETX (Excluding them) formatted as 5 digits, zero padded
CR = 0x0D (Carriage Return)
LF = 0x0A (Line Feed)
STX00000,00000,00000,00000,00000,00000,00000,00000,00000,00000, 00000,00000,00000,00000,00000,00000,ETXCHECKSUMCRLF

Step 2: Configuring Cloudloop for RockBLOCK RTU

  1. Create Channel: Map channels 16 to 31
  2. Type: Analog Input
  3. General Purpose Data String-related Device Channel Configuration:
    • Mode: RAW
    • COV (Change of Value): 0 for no COV, 1 for COV enabled
    • Group Transmission Size: Minimum 1

 

Note: Channels should get created automatically in Cloudloop Data once valid data is passed through, although each channel can still be re-configured or pre-configured via Cloudloop Data. It is also important to note that the RTU needs to be active, powered and have a good view of the sky for it to receive the channel configurations via the satellite link.

Device Channel Configuration

Example of Cloudloop Data Insights

Cloudloop Data Insights Inputs

This screenshot showcases the Cloudloop platform’s data visualization capabilities when integrated with RockBLOCK RTU. Each channel represents a specific parameter being monitored, such as location (latitude and longitude), battery voltage, snow depth, temperature at various depths, pressure readings, and wind speed. All of which can be named and customized per your requirements. we have chosen the aforementioned parameters for illustration purposes.

Cloudloop Data Insights Altitude Air Pressure
Above – example of visualization of a channel named “Altitude (Air Pressure)”

Step 3: Setting Up Communication

  1. Connect Serial COM2 TX to RX (PINK) on RockBLOCK RTU
  2. Set baud rate to 19200, which is the default for RockBLOCK RTU

 

Step 4: Implementing the CRBasic Code

The CRBasic code constructs data strings in stages to accommodate memory constraints. Temporary strings (TempStr variables) are concentrated to form the final 16 channel DataString.

Example CRBasic Code:

This integration will allow up to 16 sensor values to transmit from the CR1000 through the RockBLOCK via SBD to Cloudloop Data (Insights) and optionally forward to a chosen destination. By introducing Cloudloop Data in the middle of the data transfer, you allow for much more than just data display or remote configuration, but the ability to set email alerts depending on thresholds and even set actions – such as controlling a separate RockBLOCK RTU anywhere in the world autonomously.

Imagine a scenario where one RockBLOCK measures the water level at a dam, and a second RockBLOCK controls a valve on pre-set thresholds.

Ready to get started?

If you’re interested in learning more about how RockBLOCK RTU can transform your remote monitoring capabilities, contact us for a personalized consultation.

Also, have a look at our RockBLOCK RTU documentation website.

Michael Mitrev - Solutions Architect

Graduating with a 1st Class Degree in Computer Systems and Networks Engineering and joining the team in 2024, Michael has been closely involved in the development of the RockREMOTE Mini and is passionate about its growth and success. He's also contributed to the RockBLOCK RTU, ensuring both devices integrate seamlessly with data loggers to create highly sought-after solutions - primarily focusing on testing with Campbell’s CR1000.

Transform your CR1000 into a powerful remote monitoring solution

Whether you’re tracking snow depth, water levels, or environmental conditions, the RockBLOCK RTU + Cloudloop integration offers reliable, global data delivery.

Complete the form, or email hello@groundcontrol.com for expert advice; we’ll respond within one working day.

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Water utilities worldwide are under increasing pressure to deliver more with less. Ageing infrastructure, growing demand, environmental challenges, and regulatory compliance all demand smarter, more efficient operations. Yet many of the most critical water assets, including pipelines, reservoirs, pumping stations, and metering points, are located in remote or rural areas where conventional cellular connectivity is either unreliable or unavailable.

This connectivity gap has long been a barrier to digital transformation in the water sector. Without reliable communication between remote assets and central systems, utilities face costly manual inspections, delayed responses, and fragmented data. Satellite IoT is helping to bridge that divide, bringing off-grid infrastructure online and enabling smarter, more efficient operations. While proprietary satellite IoT has served this role for decades, a newer, standards-based alternative is now emerging: NTN NB-IoT (Non-Terrestrial Network Narrowband Internet of Things).

NTN NB-IoT, part of the 3GPP standard for satellite-enabled IoT communications, allows connected sensors to communicate with satellites using the same NB-IoT protocol, and chipset, that they would use to connect to a terrestrial network. Economies of scale means that this drives down the cost of the chipset, delivering lower hardware costs, and potentially lower airtime costs too. For water utilities, this unlocks applications that might have been cost-prohibitive prior to the advent of standards-based satellite IoT.

At Ground Control, we specialize in enabling satellite-based connectivity and telemetry solutions for critical infrastructure. As NTN NB-IoT technology matures, we’re perfectly positioned to help water utilities leverage it to extend smart monitoring and control to the very edges of their networks. Here’s how NTN NB-IoT differs from proprietary satellite IoT and where it adds value to smarter water utility operations.

Rethinking Remote Connectivity

As water utilities continue to extend monitoring and automation efforts in remote and rural environments, satellite communication has been, and remains, critical to bridge connectivity gaps where cellular networks are unreliable or unavailable. Until very recently, the only option for utilizing satellites was to use a proprietary satellite module, e.g. if you wanted to utilize the Iridium satellite constellation, you would need an Iridium module.

These proprietary solutions are are built for purpose; the designers have not had to limit their modules’ capabilities to the 3GPP standard, which of course started as a cellular standard. This means you can send more data, more quickly, through a proprietary solution.

Further, if you’re using a message-based proprietary solution, such as Iridium’s Short Burst Data service, Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT), or Viasat IoT Nano, you also get the benefit of power efficiency.

Proprietary solutions, therefore, have been a trusted option for many years, providing reliable, low bandwidth satellite communication for mission critical data such as flow rates, tank levels, pump status, and alarm notifications. They have proven particularly valuable for applications requiring near real-time data or coverage in truly isolated areas.

However, when it comes to massive IoT deployments, proprietary solutions have limitations. Relatively high device and airtime costs, and proprietary integration requirements can make services like SBD, IMT and IoT Nano challenging to deploy at scale, particularly for low-power sensor networks or distributed metering systems.

Enter NTN NB-IoT (what is NTN NB-IoT?).

Proprietary-vs-NTN-NB-IoT

For water utilities, NTN NB-IoT could be a breakthrough. Water utility providers can deploy NTN NB-IoT-enabled sensors, meters, and monitoring equipment in places that were previously cost-prohibitive to connect via proprietary satellite IoT.

What are the Applications for NTN NB-IoT in Water Utilities?

For a water utility weighing NTN NB‑IoT against higher‑bandwidth proprietary satellite links, the sweet spot is infrequent, small payload telemetry where truly global reach (no cell towers) matters more than millisecond alerts. Typical deployments include:

Daily or multi‑hour meter reads
Remote or off‑grid customer meters (flow, volume) that only need to report once or twice a day for billing or usage analysis. A 200 byte payload can easily carry several readings, supporting rural homes, farms, or remote industrial sites.

Tank level and reservoir monitoring
Track water levels, detect overflow risks and monitor usage trends in storage facilities far from population centers. Gravity‑fed storage tanks in remote service areas report level and temperature every few hours – enough to plan refills without real‑time urgency.

Environmental baseline sensing
pH, turbidity, conductivity or chlorine residual sensors on remote intakes or treatment sites. These can trickle in (no pun intended!) once per shift or per day to track long term trends, enabling insight into water quality, and supporting regulatory compliance.

Pump run‑hours and basic status
Hourly or daily “I’m alive” heartbeats plus simple ON/OFF or run‑time counters to track remote booster stations or solar powered pumps, helping to reduce downtime and extend the life of critical infrastructure.

Pipeline integrity logs
Low frequency pressure, flow rate and structural vibration snapshots in isolated, hard to access terrain, allowing early detection of leaks, bursts or blockages to reduce water loss.

Asset inventory and location
Periodic GPS pings and motion/tamper alerts from mobile test vans, valve exercise robots or floating sensors in open canals, optimizing maintenance schedules and improving operational security.

Benefits-of-NTN-NB-IoT-for-Water-Utilities

Beyond NTN NB‑IoT: Scenarios Requiring Real Time Satellite Links

Here are the water‑utility applications that really demand real time links and higher data volumes – i.e. where you’d reach for a proprietary satellite IoT service such as SBD, IMT or IoT Nano, rather than NTN NB‑IoT:

Instant leak/failure alerts
Continuous pressure or flow monitoring that must trigger sub‑minute alarms when a burst or major leak occurs.

Remote valve actuation and control
Two‑way commands (open/close, throttling) with confirmation feedback to isolate sections of pipe or adjust flow on demand.

SCADA‑style telemetry
High frequency readings (e.g. every few seconds or minutes) from multiple sensors (pressure, temperature, vibration) at booster stations and treatment plants.

Video or acoustic inspection
Transmitting snapshots, short video clips or high‑resolution acoustic signatures from remote intake structures or pipeline inspection robots.

Predictive maintenance analytics
Bulk uploads of rich sensor datasets (e.g. vibration spectra, pump performance curves) to cloud analytics for failure prediction.

Bi‑directional firmware updates and diagnostics
Pushing larger firmware or configuration payloads OTA (over the air), plus logging back detailed health / status reports in real time.

Event‑driven sampling
Millisecond‑resolution burst data (e.g. transient pressure spikes) that need to be streamed offsite immediately for analysis.

Benefits-of-Proprietary-Satellite-IOT

Emergency backup SCADA link
A full‑bandwidth failover channel when terrestrial SCADA lines go down, to keep control room visibility alive.

These use cases all hinge on low latency, two way communication and/or bulk data transfers; capabilities that proprietary satellite IoT is designed to deliver.

What is NTN NB-IoT?

Simply, NTN NB-IoT allows data to travel over satellite using the same standard as terrestrial NB-IoT. This means that the same chipset can be used for satellite or cellular connectivity, leading to lower hardware costs, and potentially, lower airtime costs.

It doesn’t, however, mean that it is identical to terrestrial NB-IoT, and network architects need to bear its limitations in mind. We’ve outlined some of the key differences in the following table:

NTN NB-IoT (via Skylo)

Cellular NB-IoT

Proprietary Satellite IoT

Max Practical Payload

256 bytes

1,400 - 1,600 bytes

100,000 bytes

Latency

High (10 - 60 s); MVNO scheduling ⟶ 2 - 5 min

Low (1 - 10 seconds)

Medium (c. 10 seconds)

Directionality

Bidirectional (protocol level) but uplink-focused in practice

Bidirectional

Bidirectional

Coverage

United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and select European markets

Terrestrial (nationwide but no maritime/remote)

Global

Typical Transmissions Per Day

Common MVNO plans: ~1 - 3 uplinks/day (entry tiers)

No strict cap: supports thousands to tens of thousands of uplinks/day (limited only by data plan allowances)

No strict cap; governed by data plan allowances

In summary, users can anticipate smaller data volumes, and intermittent data transmission (e.g. a few times per day), allowing devices to operate for years on battery and solar power. NTN NB-IoT is, therefore, ideal for low bandwidth, low power, and long life IoT applications.

A Smarter Approach to Connectivity

NTN NB‑IoT shines when you need occasional, small payload uplinks from truly off-grid assets. Its standards based 3GPP Release 17 stack makes integration straightforward, devices run for years on battery, and you can monitor things like daily meter reads, tank levels, water‑quality snapshots or pump “heartbeats” in remote terrain without laying any infrastructure.

Proprietary satellite IoT earns its keep when you need low latency, high volume, two way links, for real time leak/failure alarms, remote valve control, SCADA‑style bursts, video or acoustic inspections, large OTA updates, and emergency failover.

With decades of experience in satellite communications, Ground Control offers more than just connectivity; we deliver complete, integrated solutions from device to cloud. So, whether you’re starting a pilot water management project or scaling a nationwide deployment, we’re here to help you harness the full potential of NTN NB-IoT and build a smarter, more resilient, and efficient water utility network.

Ready to explore your options?

Curious which satellite technology is right for your application? Whether you’re rolling out smart meters in rural areas or need real time alerts from critical infrastructure, we can help you choose the best fit solution.

Talk to our team for a side-by-side comparison of NTN NB-IoT and proprietary satellite IoT, based on your data needs, latency requirements, and power constraints.

Email hello@groundcontrol.com or complete the form, and we’ll be in touch within one working day.

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In today’s digital battlespace, Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (APNT) is more than a utility; it’s the invisible infrastructure behind every mission. As adversaries grow more technologically capable, the reliability of conventional GPS-based systems is increasingly at risk. Electronic warfare tactics, such as GPS jamming and spoofing, can create blind spots and disrupt mission-critical functions. A resilient solution is needed, designed to maintain accurate, trusted location and timing data even when GPS is spoofed, faked or denied.

From satellite tracking and coordinated troop movements to secure communications and synchronized operations, reliable PNT enables modern militaries to act with speed, accuracy, and global reach.

Encapsulated within Ground Control’s RockSTAR APNT device, reliable, global, and jamming-resilient positional awareness can be achieved by military personnel in hostile, GPS-contested environments. This blog examines the modern-day need for reliable location assurance beyond GPS for military effectiveness.

 

Why PNT Is Critical for Military Success

PNT systems, chiefly GPS and GNSS, are foundational to all branches of modern defense, forming the backbone of situational awareness, coordination, and operational execution. Real-time, accurate positioning provides the precise geolocation of military forces, vehicles, and critical assets, allowing commanders to make informed decisions in real time.

Navigation enables units to move accurately and more safely across land, air, or sea to ensure missions stay on course and with optimum execution. Timing is crucial for synchronizing a wide range of activities, from encrypted communications and sensor network operations to financial transactions and time-sensitive Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) data processing.

Numerous military functions rely on accurate and uninterrupted PNT, including Blue Force Tracking (BFT) – a system that utilizes GPS technology to track the location of friendly forces, cybersecurity command and control (C2) systems, precision time-stamping for ISR platforms, and the coordination of multi-domain operations. Without reliable PNT systems and GPS/GNSS, these operations can quickly become disjointed, inefficient, and vulnerable, jeopardizing both mission success and the safety of military personnel.

The GPS Vulnerability Problem

While GPS remains the backbone of PNT, it is vulnerable. GPS signals are low power, unencrypted and easy to jam, spoof, or fake with relatively inexpensive equipment.

In hostile environments, such as near-peer conflict zones and congested battlespaces, adversaries often target GPS to disrupt coordination, conceal positions, or disable military tracking systems.

Even in peacetime or humanitarian missions, natural obstructions like urban canyons, mountains, and indoor locations can degrade signal reception.

APNT is different. A key component of APNT is the use of one-way, secured signals transmitted from Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. These signals are significantly stronger than traditional GPS – up to 1,000 times more powerful in some systems – making them far more resistant to jamming and interference. When integrated into a layered APNT architecture, these satellite-based signals help ensure trusted timing and location data even in GPS-denied environments.

Diagram-Showing-RockSTAR-APNT-in-Military-Applications

It’s worth noting that APNT is designed to complement, not replace, GPS and GNSS-based systems. PNT and APNT signals are compatible with some of the same hardware that supports GPS, allowing for seamless integration into existing navigation solutions. This makes APNT an ideal component of a layered satellite-tracking system strategy, enhancing resilience,
security, and continuity of positioning and timing services in critical military applications.

 

RockSTAR APNT For Assured PNT Beyond GPS

 

RockSTAR APNT offers a hardened alternative to GPS-based timing and location services. By leveraging LEO satellites and cryptographic techniques to verify authenticity, the device transmits high-power signals resistant to spoofing, jamming, and signal degradation, critical for military communications when GPS is compromised. Further, it’s operable indoors and in
urban locations where GPS often fails.

RockSTAR APNT delivers real-time timing accuracy, which is a critical capability for coordinating dispersed units across multiple domains, maintaining secure communications, and operating time-sensitive radar, sensor, and surveillance systems. Positional data in real-time ensures optimum decision-making in dynamic environments.

Engineered for portability and resilience, RockSTAR APNT is compact, field-ready, dustproof and waterproof. Built to military standards, it’s ideal for manned deployments: tactical vehicles, Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), field command posts, and portable mission kits.

RockSTAR STL Close Up

The Embedded APNT Choice

For unmanned or unattended deployments, RockBLOCK APNT offers the same resilient satellite time and location capability in a compact, ruggedized form factor. Designed for integration into autonomous systems, remote infrastructure, and stationary platforms, it ensures critical operations remain synchronised and secure, even in heavily contested GNSS environments.

With the ability to transmit APNT data, as well as text-based messages and telemetry data (up to 100 KB per transmission), RockBLOCK APNT also serves as an effective failover
communication channel when primary systems are compromised or unavailable. Its versatility and resilience make it a valuable asset for mission-critical operations where assured connectivity is essential.

RockBLOCK-Pro-Web-Angled

A Layered PNT Strategy for Modern Defense

As militaries shift toward Multi-Domain Operations (MDO), the security and reliability of PNT and GPS are strategic priorities. Relying solely on GPS is no longer acceptable. The U.S. Department of Defense and allied nations are actively pursuing Assured PNT (APNT) initiatives, combining multiple sources to create a layered, fault-tolerant system. RockSTAR APNT and RockBLOCK APNT are key enablers of this strategy in providing a complementary, GPS-independent signal that strengthens the PNT architecture.

 

 

Gain The Advantage With Mission Ready Satellite IoT

For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with defense forces, government agencies, and security contractors to develop a number of military-grade devices, harnessing APNT.

Learn how this technology can give you the tactical advantage in your mission-critical operations.

READ BROCHURE

Can we help?

Our satellite-enabled RockSTAR APNT and RockBLOCK APNT solutions offer robust positional data connectivity when GPS fails, for defense applications and more. Partner with us to explore all our satellite solutions that safeguard your military operations and personnel anywhere in the world.

Complete the form or email hello@groundcontrol.com and we’ll get back to you within one working day.

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One of the most disruptive threats to commercial and military maritime operators is the manipulation of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), primarily by low-cost GPS jammers, state-sponsored GPS spoofing campaigns, and cyber-physical interference. From oil tankers seized via spoofed coordinates to cargo ships disappearing from satellite tracking due to jamming, the vulnerabilities of GNSS reliant systems are no longer theoretical, they’re operational hazards. These disruptions compromise navigation, safety, and compliance monitoring, particularly in high-risk regions such as the Baltic Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, and other areas with geopolitical tensions.

GPS Jamming Issue Grows in Eastern Mediterranean and Black Seas
Daily, October 1, 2023 – April 4, 2024

Growing Number of GPS Jamming Attempts

GNSS/GPS manipulation has far-reaching implications, from compromised navigation to operational disruptions. While there are various satellite-based techniques for detecting spoofing and jamming, RockBLOCK APNT offers a truly resilient alternative. In this blog, we explore how it works and why it matters.

Key Differences Between Jamming and Spoofing

Jamming

Spoofing

Definition

Overwhelms GNSS signals with noise to block reception

Sends fake GNSS signals to mislead the calculation of a false position/time

Mechanism

High-power RF signals on GNSS frequencies disrupt signal acquisition

Fake signals mimic legitimate ones, often stronger, to deceive the vessel

Goal

Denial of service (DoS) – prevents GNSS-based operation

Deceives the receiving vessel into believing a false position or time

Effect on receiving vessel

Loss of satellite lock; receiving vessel cannot determine position/time

The receiving vessel continues to operate, but with incorrect data

Detection Difficulty

Often easy to detect due to complete signal loss

Harder to detect, may go unnoticed as the vessel operates normally

Signal power

High (to overpower weak satellite signals, typically > -100 dBm)

High (to overpower weak satellite signals, typically > -100 dBm)

Legality

Illegal in most countries

Also illegal, often more complex to execute and trace

Hardware Requirements

Relatively simple - can be handheld or vehicle-mounted

More complex, requires GNSS signal generation and precise timing

Use Cases (Malicious)

Disrupt vessel navigation, leave crew and cargo vulnerable to attack

Mislead ships, expose ships to hijacking, steer vessels into dangerous waters

Implications for the Shipping Industry

The interception and denial of GNSS/GPS connectivity pose significant risks to the commercial shipping industry. GPS spoofing, for example, misleads shipping vessels into believing they are on a safe course when in reality, they may be heading into dangerous waters or restricted areas. Reports indicate that vessels in the Eastern Mediterranean have been falsely located at airports, and other instances have shown ships being misled into high-risk territories. Many vessels, especially those without backup navigation systems, are vulnerable to these attacks.

In July 2019, the UK-flagged oil tanker Stena Impero, operated by Stena Bulk, was seized by Iranian forces while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Investigations suggest that the vessel’s navigation systems were subjected to GPS spoofing, causing it to deviate into Iranian territorial waters. Analysis of AIS data indicated anomalies consistent with spoofing attacks, where counterfeit signals misled the ship’s navigation systems. This incident highlighted the vulnerabilities in maritime navigation and the potential for state actors to exploit them.

Later in 2019, vessels operating near Chinese ports, particularly around Shanghai, reported widespread GPS anomalies. Ships experienced sudden changes in reported positions, with some appearing to move erratically or vanish from tracking systems. Investigations revealed that these anomalies were due to GPS spoofing attacks, affecting hundreds of vessels and disrupting port operations. The incidents raised concerns about the potential for such attacks to be used for strategic or economic purposes, with the United Nations urging the protection of satellite navigation from interference.

Spoofing and Jamming Detection via Satellite

Satellite systems can detect GNSS/GPS spoofing and jamming by identifying inconsistencies via a number of indicators and parameters.

Positional behavior can indicate spoofing or jamming. Satellite systems can identify positional and movement abnormalities and send alerts when ships “jump” positions, show physically impossible maneuvers, such as a 90° turn at high speed, or appear in two locations simultaneously, known as ghost ships. Further, comparison with terrestrial radar and sensors is a method of spoofing detection. Satellites compare reported Automatic Identification System (AIS) data with ground radar or visual surveillance, and mismatches may indicate spoofing.

To avoid and prevent spoofing and jamming attacks, commercial shipping companies can support risk-based routing. Here, shipping companies use historical spoofing “heat maps” to reroute vessels around known interference zones, such Baltic Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, and any other region or zone with geopolitical tensions.

These detection techniques are effective, but the vulnerabilities of GNSS/GPS signals remain. A secure and resilient solution is required for complete visibility and confidence of vessel positioning at sea.

Iridium PNT For GNSS/GPS Protection at Sea

While satellite-enabled detections exist to combat traditional GNSS/GPS spoofing and jamming, Iridium offers an uncontested solution – a secure alternative for acquiring positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) information anywhere in the world.

Iridium PNT is a one-way signal broadcast via the Iridium satellite constellation, 1,000 times stronger than GPS, making it far more resilient to jamming. Leveraging Iridium’s LEO satellite constellation and thus, a signal 25 times closer to the Earth than GNSS, Iridium PNT delivers accurate time and position data without needing traditional GNSS visibility, giving commercial ships and maritime systems trusted positioning even when GPS is denied.

Iridium PNT is not designed to replace GNSS; rather, it’s designed to complement it. Many existing GPS/GNSS receivers are capable of receiving Iridium PNT signals, making it easy to incorporate as part of a layered approach to reliable, secure and resilient tracking and positioning.

Diagram-of-RockBLOCK-APNT-in-Maritime-Application

How RockBLOCK Utilizes Iridium PNT for Jamming-Resilient Maritime Tracking

RockBLOCK APNT is a ruggedized, compact satellite-based tracking solution that harnesses the power of Iridium PNT to deliver a secure signal independent of terrestrial or GNSS infrastructure. This PNT service offers an alternative when GPS or GNSS Global signals are absent, denied, or disrupted.

Traditional GPS signals are vulnerable and easy to overpower or imitate with spoofing equipment. Iridium PNT, by contrast, resists these threats through cryptographic techniques so spoofers cannot easily mimic the signals. Complementing traditional GPS / GNSS and delivering a reliable backup, RockBLOCK APNT enables transmission of vessel location updates even when GPS / GNSS is being denied, spoofed, or jammed.

This is vital for commercial ships as well as vessels transiting piracy or cyber-prone regions, unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) operating in contested waters and NATO and allied vessels conducting patrols in high-risk areas.

RockBLOCK-Pro-Web-Angled

The technology encapsulated within RockBLOCK APNT is designed for ease of integration with existing maritime equipment. The solution delivers RS232 / RS485 and USB-C serial interfaces for easy integration with existing hardware, IP66 waterproofing – ideal for harsh marine conditions – and a compact, low-power design for permanent and portable deployments. It’s a secure and rugged solution for shipping companies to tackle the ongoing threat of GPS spoofers and jammers.

Operational Scenarios with RockBLOCK APNT

There are several operational scenarios where RockBLOCK APNT provides an uncontested, reliable solution to GPS-denied environments, spoofing, and jamming:

Anti-Spoofing for Cargo Ships: A container vessel approaching a spoofing hotspot in the Eastern Mediterranean receives conflicting GPS signals. RockBLOCK APNT continues to deliver trusted positioning, allowing the bridge crew and HQ to detect the spoof and maintain safe routing.

Naval Operations in Denied Environments: A patrol vessel operating under electronic warfare conditions near contested maritime borders loses GPS functionality. Utilizing RockBLOCK APNT, onboard systems retain accurate time and position data, crucial for navigation, targeting, and tactical coordination.

Unmanned Maritime Drones: An autonomous surface vessel in the Arctic Circle cannot acquire GPS due to interference. RockBLOCK APNT ensures connectivity, continuity and remote GPS monitoring via Iridium.

Secure Positioning When GPS Goes Dark

From bulk carriers drifting off-course in the Black Sea to naval vessels being targeted in the Red Sea, GNSS/GPS interference has shifted from a rare anomaly to a strategic weapon. The rise of low-cost jammers, state-sponsored spoofing campaigns, and cyber-physical interference has exposed a serious blind spot in global shipping: overdependence on vulnerable, unprotected GNSS/GPS satellite signals. RockBLOCK APNT provides an essential layer of protection, ensuring a secure, resilient, and critical connection to vessels at sea.

With RockBLOCK APNT, Ground Control offers a compact, secure, and rugged satellite-based solution that ensures maritime assets stay online, stay located, and stay safe, even when GPS goes dark.

Can we help?

Partner with us to implement satellite technology that safeguards your maritime operations and enhances secure, real-time data transmission wherever your journey takes you.

Complete the form or email us at hello@groundcontrol.com and we’ll get back to you within one working day.

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Ground Control has launched the RockBLOCK Pro, the first certified Iridium Certus 9704 device available through an Iridium partner. This rugged satellite IoT gateway utilizes the new Iridium Certus® 9704 module and Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT). The RockBLOCK Pro delivers enhanced performance compared to earlier RockBLOCK versions, and features faster speeds, substantially increased message size capabilities, and improved power efficiency. This makes it well-suited for critical remote operations.

RockBLOCK Pro utilizes the Iridium 9704 module to send bi-directional messages from 25 bytes up to 100 KB, supporting aggregated sensor data, imagery and audio clips while maintaining end-to-cloud latency under 10 seconds. Compared to the Iridium 9602 and 9603 modules, the 9704 achieves up to an 83% reduction in idle power consumption, making it the most power-efficient Iridium module ever.

Engineered for harsh outdoor and industrial use, RockBLOCK Pro is rated IP66 and can be specified with either the built-in high-gain antenna or an external antenna. Full support for the legacy Iridium AT command set ensures a drop-in upgrade path for existing SBD deployments, with no need to alter host firmware or development toolchains.

RockBLOCK-Pro-First-Image

For seamless end-to-end messaging, RockBLOCK Pro integrates tightly with our Cloudloop Data platform, which delivers messages via direct cloud-platform integrations, including AWS, Azure and Google Cloud environment, or can be routed via HTTP webhooks, MQTT streams, or even email. Onboard GNSS, Bluetooth, and configurable digital I/O further expand its utility in telemetry, asset tracking, environmental monitoring, and autonomous applications.

Alastair MacLeod, CEO of Ground Control, said: “RockBLOCK Pro redefines the satellite IoT gateway category by bringing together power efficiency, rugged design, and data capacity in a compact footprint, unlocking smarter, more responsive systems in the world’s most remote places. As the first partner to bring a certified Iridium Certus 9704 product to market, we’re proud to lead the next chapter of global IoT.”

“The Iridium Certus 9704 packs a lot of power in a compact module, making it ideal for IoT applications that require real-time data analysis, analytics and automated decision-making,” said Tim Last, executive vice president of sales and marketing, Iridium. “Ground Control has been a trusted Iridium partner for many years, with a proven track record of delivering high quality developer hardware built on Iridium technology. We’re excited to see them leading the way with innovative solutions that bring high performance satellite IoT connectivity to the most remote parts of the world.”

RockBLOCK Pro is now open for early access inquiries.

The initial production run begins in May, followed by full production starting July 2025.

To learn more or reserve your unit, please contact Ground Control or complete our early access form at groundcontrol.com/product/rockblock-pro/

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Direct-to-Direct (D2D) satellite connectivity is one of the most talked about innovations in IoT right now. It promises seamless global coverage, allowing connected devices, from smartphones to smart sensors, to communicate with satellites without the need for additional hardware such as a specialized antenna.

At first glance, D2D sounds like the ultimate solution for remote IoT applications. But there’s a problem: the term is being used too broadly and too optimistically. Many assume that D2D is synonymous with standards-based satellite IoT, like NTN NB-IoT or LTE Cat-1 over satellite. In reality, these are adjacent but distinct technologies, each with very different capabilities, timelines, and trade-offs.

In this post we’ll cut through the noise to discover what’s actually available today, and what will be available in six months, one year, and beyond. We’ll look at the benefits and limitations of D2D, and explore whether you would be better off focusing on standards-based satellite IoT as you consider what’s best for your IoT deployment.

What Direct-to-Device (D2D) Actually Means

Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity means that a device – typically a smartphone – can communicate directly with a satellite (part of a non-terrestrial network, or NTN) without requiring additional external hardware like a specialized antenna / dongle.

D2D is a capability, not a standard. It means a device can talk directly to a satellite, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it uses NB-IoT or LTE.

The most well-known example is Apple’s agreement with Globalstar. Newer iPhones embed chipsets that allow them to access the Globalstar satellite constellation where available. This is a proprietary technology, meaning iPhones cannot connect to other satellite networks.

While still relevant, the Globalstar/Apple partnership is an outlier. Today, D2D is often referenced in the context of standards-based connectivity – but that’s where definitions start to blur.

D2D and Standards-Based Connectivity: Not the Same Thing!

Standards-based NTN connectivity refers to satellite networks that adhere to existing cellular standards, e.g. NB-IoT and LTE Cat 1.

A key benefit of this is that you don’t have to modify your data to send it through a proprietary satellite protocol. Standards-based connectivity also opens the door to switching networks for broader coverage or better pricing – a flexibility not available with proprietary solutions.

But here’s the key distinction:

D2D

Standards-Based NTN

D2D is about the physical capability for a device (e.g., smartphone or sensor) to connect to a satellite without extra hardware.

Standards-based is about ensuring that the satellite connection adheres to existing cellular protocols like NB-IoT and LTE Cat 1.

The connection can be proprietary or standards-based.

Compatible devices may still require separate hardware to connect, especially today.

Pure D2D for IoT is limited today and requires ideal antenna positioning and sky visibility.

You can access standards-based NTN today, usually via an external transceiver / dongle.

What’s Available Now (Early 2025)?

There are two cellular standards being adopted by satellite network operators: NB-IoT and LTE Cat 1.

  • NB-IoT uses very little bandwidth and is being rolled out by providers like Iridium and Viasat to complement their proprietary solutions.
  • LTE Cat 1 requires more bandwidth and is being pursued by newer entrants like Starlink and AST SpaceMobile, who partner with mobile network operators (MNOs) to access spectrum.

 

The standard closer to delivery is NTN NB-IoT. Skylo is not a satellite network operator, but has done a lot of work to make NB-IoT work over existing satellite networks. They have partnered with multiple satellite networks, including Viasat and Ligado Networks, to bring a solution to market in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Brazil.

Some satellite network operators are already offering this service in a limited capacity – Sateliot were among the first to market with a proposition. However, they’re in the process of scaling their satellite IoT services; initial store-and-forward services are available, but fully operational coverage will be c. 2028.

At the moment, the hardware being built for IoT tends to take the form of a unit that can be attached to a sensor or gateway to facilitate NTN connectivity.

Why is Separate Hardware Still Needed for IoT?

  • Many sensors or gateways don’t yet support NTN NB-IoT or LTE Cat 1 and will need to pass data through a connected device which can re-format the data to work with the appropriate standard.
  • Satellite connectivity requires a clear view of the sky. Devices embedded in machinery or under panels (like an OBDII port or solar-powered sensor) are unlikely to maintain a reliable satellite link.

What Will Be Available In Six Months (Mid-Late 2025)?

In terms of NB-IoT, Viasat’s “IoT Direct” is currently in beta mode, before a full release in the second half of 2025. This will deliver global NB-IoT capabilities for connected devices, and we’re particularly excited about this development.

We also expect the first LTE Cat 1 service for IoT from Starlink to be available before the end of 2025. Starlink’s “D2C” model depends on cooperation from mobile network operators, and rollout will begin in countries with large land masses and low population density, where unused spectrum is more available.

Current rollout countries are the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Peru, Ukraine, Switzerland, and Japan.

What Will Be Available in One Year?

We should see more integrated, true D2D devices that can connect to both cellular and satellite networks using standard protocols, without needing separate antennas. But these are unlikely to be materially lower cost than the current, proprietary options available. This is because it is both economies of scale and competition that drives prices down, and that will take a little longer to come to fruition.

Starlink will likely have its first competitor in the LTE space (no pun intended) with the commercial launch of AST SpaceMobile anticipated in early 2026. However, AST SpaceMobile is focused squarely on the cellphone market rather than IoT devices; it will probably be another 12 months (early 2027) before IoT devices can connect to the AST SpaceMobile network. It’s also worth mentioning that AST SpaceMobile also needs agreements with MNOs to deliver its service; it will not be global at launch.

The Future (2-5 Years)

The update that allowed cellular standards to be used over satellite is called 3GPP Release 17. While Rel-17 made it possible to use cellular standards in satellite communication, it didn’t make it easy, with companies like Skylo having to do a considerable amount of engineering to make NB-IoT transmissions over satellite a reality.

Iridium, currently the world’s only global satellite IoT network, was a little late to the party in developing a standards-based proposition, but now that it is, it’s working very closely with the 3GPP to extend the functionality of NTN NB-IoT. This collaboration means that 3GPP Release 19 (anticipated in late 2025) will remove many technical challenges and hasten the widespread availability of industry standard chipsets.

Availability of Standards-Based NTN Services

*3GPP compliant release 10 or newer, modem must support existing bands of operation in intended service countries

We also anticipate that we’ll see increased data throughput, greater power efficiency, and lower latency as these advanced protocols coupled with new satellite modems filter through, enabling smaller, lower cost and longer lasting IoT devices.

The reason this falls into the 2-5 years section is because the benefits take several years to reach end users. Firstly, network operators, device manufacturers and other industry stakeholders will need time to implement the new standards, which can involve significant hardware and software updates, plus extensive testing.

Deployment of the new technology across networks is often piecemeal, too, rolled out across regions and service providers at different times – meaning that it will take time to become widely available. And, of course, end users’ devices must be compatible with the new standards; this will include firmware changes to support the lower speeds and smaller message sizes available over NTN NB-IoT.

While NB-IoT remains the most popular choice for delivering NTN standards-based connectivity, by this time we’d anticipate also having IoT propositions from AST SpaceMobile and Lynk using the LTE Cat 1 standard. These new satellite network operators, along with Starlink, will undoubtedly create more commercial agreements with mobile network operators, extending the reach of NTN LTE Cat 1 services.

What Should IoT Businesses Do Now?

It depends on the criticality and data requirements of your application. While NTN NB-IoT services are reaching the market, the throughput is very small, and data transmission is infrequent, so it best serves applications where there are a high number of end points, but real-time information is not required (e.g., livestock tracking, environmental monitoring, agriculture, basic fleet management, and wearables).

Massive IoT vs Critical IoT Diagram

If this describes your application, get in touch with a service provider like Ground Control to get advice on the best network and hardware for your application. Note that this will almost certainly involve additional hardware, as the satellite industry is some way from solving the issues around device compatibility and antenna siting mentioned earlier.

If you need higher volumes of data and closer to real-time data, you will still be better served by a proprietary solution such as IMT / Certus 100 from Iridium, or IoT Nano from Viasat. These services are well established and globally available; they will co-exist alongside the standards-based solutions for the foreseeable future.

Finally, don’t get too preoccupied with D2D; it offers exciting possibilities, but it’s still a developing technology that won’t be widely available for some time, and will only be appropriate for certain use cases.

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Ready to explore your options?

If you’re exploring how to keep your IoT devices connected beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, we’re here to help. At Ground Control, we work across both proprietary and standards-based satellite networks to recommend the best-fit solution for your use case – today, and in the future.

Whether you’re ready to deploy now or just starting to assess the landscape, we’d love to talk. Get in touch for practical, honest advice on devices, networks, and everything in between. Email hello@groundcontrol.com or complete the form, and we’ll be in touch within one working day.

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Ground Control’s tracking platform, Cloudloop, now supports Globalstar’s GSat Solar and SmartOne C tracking devices. The integration provides a budget friendly satellite tracking option for businesses and organizations that need occasional location updates without the expense of more advanced two-way communication systems.

This integration expands the range of options available through Cloudloop Tracking, allowing users to deploy low power, long lasting satellite tracking solutions that are ideal for monitoring assets in remote or off grid locations where cellular coverage is unreliable or unavailable.

Globalstar-Logo

Globalstar operates a constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, providing cost-effective tracking solutions for businesses. Devices transmit location and status updates to the satellite network at predefined intervals, and in the case of the selected hardware, only send data one way. While this has some limitations (they’re not suitable for real-time tracking of high value assets), it means the devices are significantly cheaper than two-way communication alternatives. They also draw very little power, and can run for years without maintenance, making them ideal for remote asset tracking. Their compact size and flexible mounting options also make Globalstar trackers easy to install on various assets.

Globalstar’s services are regionally available, mainly in North America, Europe, and parts of South America (see coverage map).

Why Choose Globalstar for Asset Tracking?

Lower Cost, Simple Tracking

Globalstar’s tracking solutions provide a cost-effective way to monitor assets that do not require real-time oversight. If you need to be 100% certain of an asset’s position at all times or require two-way messaging, other solutions (like Iridium-based tracking) will be more suited. However, compared to premium two-way satellite tracking solutions, Globalstar devices significantly reduce tracking expenses while still offering a reliable means of monitoring asset movements. For businesses managing large fleets of lower-value assets, the cost savings can be substantial.

Battery Powered and Compact

Both the GSat Solar and SmartOne C are designed for easy deployment without the need for a constant power source. The GSat Solar harnesses solar energy, making it an excellent choice for long-term, low-maintenance tracking. The SmartOne C, on the other hand, operates on replaceable batteries, ensuring flexibility for different use cases where solar charging may not be practical or possible. Their compact form factors also make them easy to install on a variety of asset types, such as shipping containers, vehicles and even animals.

 

Globalstar Tracking Devices

GSat Solar

GSat Solar is an ultra-low power, solar powered tracking device designed to provide long term asset visibility with minimal maintenance. With its solar-powered operation, GSat Solar ensures extended battery life, reducing the need for manual intervention and making it a reliable choice for long term deployments. Its compact and rugged design enhances durability, allowing it to withstand harsh environmental conditions while continuing to deliver accurate location data. The device operates on a scheduled reporting system, providing periodic updates on asset movements, ensuring that businesses can efficiently monitor and manage their assets with ease.

It is an ideal solution for tracking equipment, livestock, and other mobile assets in remote locations, offering a cost-effective option for asset managers who require periodic location updates without the need for constant oversight.

 

Globalstar GSatSolar Device

SmartOne C

SmartOne C is a versatile, battery powered tracking device designed for reliable asset monitoring and is an excellent solution for tracking equipment, trailers, and other valuable assets that require periodic location updates without the need for a wired power source. The device supports configurable reporting intervals, enabling businesses to balance tracking frequency with battery life, ensuring efficient and cost effective asset management.

With its user replaceable batteries, SmartOne C offers flexibility for deployments where solar charging may not be practical, ensuring long-lasting performance in the field. Its durable and rugged design also allows it to withstand tough environmental conditions, making it suitable for use in remote or harsh locations.

Globalstar SmartOne C Side view

Best Use Cases for Globalstar Tracking

Image-of-Rail-Freight-Cropped

Transport & Logistics

Logistics companies often prioritize cost efficiency, and a device that delivers scheduled location updates is sufficient to confirm that cargo is moving along its intended route. Globalstar trackers are especially valuable for monitoring shipments that traverse remote areas or international borders where terrestrial coverage may be unreliable or unavailable.

Image-of-Mobile-Generator-Cropped

Construction

Theft and unauthorized use are common concerns, making periodic tracking an effective way to ensure assets remain where they should be. Since Globalstar devices operate on long life battery power or solar energy, they provide an ideal solution for tracking assets that lack an onboard power source, reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining visibility.

Mobile-Irrigation-Pump

Agriculture

Farmers rely on mobile infrastructure such as irrigation pumps, fencing, and storage tanks, which are often placed in remote fields or rotational grazing areas. As this type of equipment is rarely moved but remains valuable, periodic tracking provides an affordable alternative to high end, real time tracking solutions.

Mobile-Lighting-Unit

Rental Equipment

Businesses that lease out assets such as portable lighting, sanitation units, storage containers, or temporary fencing, need a way to ensure their equipment remains in designated locations. A tracking device helps mitigate asset loss and facilitates billing verification by providing periodic location reports, ensuring that rented equipment is where it is supposed to be throughout the rental period.

ATV-Seasonal-Vehicle

Seasonal Vehicles

For snowplows, ATVs, or specialized agricultural machinery, continuous tracking is rarely required, making a low cost, long battery-life tracking solution more practical than traditional GPS systems that require frequent recharging. Globalstar devices allow asset owners to periodically check in on vehicle locations, ensuring they have not been moved or stolen during off-seasons.

GSat-Solar-for-Animal-Tracking

Animal Tracking

Ranchers can deploy these devices on cattle to verify herd locations and grazing patterns. Conservationists and researchers can gather movement data. As the devices are built for rugged environments and have extended battery life, they can remain operational for long periods, making them particularly useful for tracking animals in remote or ecologically sensitive areas.

Simplifying Globalstar Tracking & Data Management

Cloudloop Tracking offers a centralized and intuitive interface that streamlines the monitoring and analysis of Globalstar’s location data. Cloudloop Tracking consolidates tracking information from one, or multiple devices, into a single view, allowing for effortless oversight of asset locations at any time.

The platform enables users to configure customizable alerts and reports, ensuring immediate notifications for asset movements, unauthorized relocations, or scheduled status updates. Its secure, scalable cloud storage guarantees that historical records and analytics remain accessible whenever needed, providing valuable insights for long term asset management.

By combining Globalstar’s cost-effective tracking devices with Cloudloop’s robust, cloud-based ecosystem, businesses gain an advanced tool for data visualization, alerting, and reporting. Whether monitoring shipping containers, rental equipment, or livestock, Cloudloop Tracking ensures users have the right insights at their fingertips to make informed decisions.

Cloudloop-Tracking-Screenshots

A Smart Choice for Cost-Effective Tracking

Globalstar tracking devices offer a powerful and economical solution for businesses and organizations requiring scheduled asset monitoring without the overhead of real time tracking. While Globalstar tracking solutions are not ideal for critical, high value assets or applications that demand real time global coverage, the devices offer an excellent balance of affordability and reliability for periodic tracking needs. Whether used for logistics, construction, agriculture, rental services, seasonal asset management, or wildlife monitoring, the Globalstar GSat Solar and SmartOne C devices provide a dependable and efficient way to enhance asset visibility while keeping costs under control.

 

Low-Cost Asset Tracking and Monitoring

If your business needs a cost-effective way to keep tabs on shipping containers, rental equipment, agricultural assets, or even livestock, Globalstar’s GSat Solar and SmartOne C trackers could be the perfect fit.

Equip your assets with reliable, cost-effective tracking solutions powered by Globalstar and seamlessly integrated with Cloudloop. Contact us today to discover how our technology can enhance your asset visibility and security. Complete the form, or email hello@groundcontrol.com.

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Critical national infrastructure is an increasingly attractive target for state-sponsored activists and extremist groups. Remote infrastructure – everything from outstations to wind farms, wellheads to pump stations, haul roads to transport hubs – is particularly vulnerable because of the challenges in creating robust security solutions in these locations. This blog post seeks to present a solution to these challenges, but first, let’s dig into the issues in more detail.

The Growing Threat to Remote Infrastructure

The vulnerability of utility and energy production sites to cyber attacks is well documented; from 2023 to 2024, US-based utilities experienced a 70% surge (Reuters). Less frequently reported is that physical attacks on infrastructure also rose 73% from 2020 to 2022 (Axios), with incidents including a gunfire attack on two substations in North Carolina, USA, which left 45,000 customers without power.

In Nigeria, in early 2024, the power sector faced escalating vandalism of high-voltage transmission infrastructure; incidents tripled during a 15 week span, including explosives being used to destroy transmission line towers (The Electricity Hub).

In Australia, thefts from unmanned construction sites reached a 10 year high in September 2024, with a 22% increase in theft-related offences during the same period (Herald Sun). And in the UK, the cost of theft of agricultural equipment escalated to an estimated £52.8 million in 2023, a 4.3% increase from the previous year (NFU).

In addition to a growth in isolated incidents is the underlying strategy to destabilize infrastructure, driven by alliances between state actors like Russia, and organized criminal gangs. These activities include sabotage, arson and cyber attacks, aimed at undermining critical infrastructure (The Guardian).

Attacks are increasing: companies, governments and individuals with hard-to-protect, high value assets are fighting a rising tide of criminal activity.

The Challenge of Traditional Security Measures

The infrastructure we’re describing here – transport, energy production, heavy industry – operates across vast areas, making it impractical to station physical security at every location which could be a target. Assuming a single security guard is stationed at a site for 8 hours a day, 7 days a week; the cost of an unarmed guard would be c. $3,600, and c. $6,000 for an armed guard (Deep Sentinel).

Statistically, most theft takes place after dark, and are more frequent in winter; long weekends and holidays are also attractive (Site Watch Group). Thus, 24 hour cover would be prudent at least over weekends, adding substantially to the cost.

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Another option is to use fences coupled with cameras and sensors to detect intruders, and provide real-time alerts to a remote monitoring center. The security personnel there can monitor multiple sites remotely, reducing on-site staffing costs. Upon receiving an alert, they can choose to dispatch security personnel to the affected site, alert local law enforcement or trigger some localized deterrent such as alarms, voice sirens or lights.

The pros of this approach is that it’s lower cost, delivers 24/7 surveillance, and can be rapidly and cost-effectively scaled up. However, it requires a reliable, secure and cost-effective means of transmitting the video stream (and potentially also audio and movement sensors). Within cellular connectivity this is pretty straightforward, but in a remote site, satellite is often the only viable option.

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Finding the Right Satellite Connection for Remote Surveillance

Satellite connectivity isn’t a homogenous blob. There are multiple radio frequencies used, and the type used strongly influences the form factor of the satellite transceiver. For example, people seeking broadband internet access over satellite – Starlink, Hughesnet, OneWeb etc. – will be using Ka-band, as this supports higher data rates, and there’s plenty of bandwidth available (i.e. limited congestion issues).

The drawback of Ka-band is that it is both susceptible to rain fade (signal loss in bad weather), and the antenna size is large, power hungry, and needs to be precisely positioned. This is not an issue for home installation, but in a remote outstation, there may be mountains, trees or the outstation itself preventing the ideal siting of the antenna.

The fix to this – phased array antennas which electronically steer themselves to optimal positions – has the drawback of consuming significantly more power. Indeed, it would be challenging to power any Ka-band antenna via a solar-powered battery, particularly for the sorts of continuous operation that a surveillance system requires.

Satellite Frequency Bands

Satellite services that operate in the L-band spectrum, on the other hand, have very small antennae, and low power requirements compared to Ka-band. Iridium and Viasat (previously Inmarsat) utilize L-band for data transmission, which makes them perfect for IoT applications where the data requirements are lower, and a small, discreet, battery-operable antenna is an asset – sometimes a necessity. L-band transmissions are unaffected by weather conditions, and very hard to intercept, making them ideal, in principle, for mission critical applications like remote surveillance.

However, video streaming from remote, potentially unpowered locations, is an awkward fit for both Ka- and L-band. It’s a high bandwidth transmission, but as discussed, high bandwidth satellite services are power hungry, easy to identify (and therefore to put out of action), and difficult to position. L-band fixes all those challenges, but to send video over L-band, which is a much more constrained frequency band, is very expensive.

Until now…

A Breakthrough in Remote Video Surveillance

There have been two key developments that have made it possible to send video over an L-band satellite connection cost-effectively. The first is the advent of low bandwidth video. Our partner Videosoft has developed video compression and transmission technology that delivers real-time, low-bit rate video. They’ve coupled this with an image enhancement feature that lets users specify and download high-res pixels from an area of interest in a scene.

Videosoft’s technology works with most off-the-shelf hardware, including video cameras, CCTV, audio microphones, GPS tracking antennae, and other I/O devices.

Watch Videosoft Demo

The second development is the availability of midband (higher throughput) transmissions in the L-band spectrum; notably Viasat’s IoT Pro service, and Iridium’s Certus 100 service. The latter is particularly well suited to remote surveillance because the satellites are in Low Earth Orbit, which means the latency is very low – critical when you need real-time alerts if a facility has been penetrated, or an asset is moving outside of schedule. 

Additionally, Iridium has a cross-linked network of 66 satellites, which means you don’t need to point your antenna at the satellite; if your facility or asset is in a wooded or mountainous area, this could be a critical advantage. 

RockREMOTE Rugged: A Simple and Secure Solution

There are a number of Iridium Certus 100 transceivers available – we design and build several ourselves – but the one we’ve focused on for remote surveillance is the RockREMOTE Rugged. This is because, most importantly, it has the compute power to natively run the Videosoft program without needing any additional hardware. It’s simply a matter of plugging your camera into the RockREMOTE, and working through some simple config steps to get started.

RockREMOTE Rugged is very easy to install; it’s IP67 rated, and designed for permanent outdoor installation in harsh environments. Its omni-directional passive antenna is small and discreet, making it harder to identify by bad actors.

RockREMOTE Rugged

Thus, securing a remote site becomes smarter and more cost effective. Choose from a very wide range of cameras, audio equipment, motion detectors etc., then plug them in to the RockREMOTE Rugged. The onboard Videosoft technology will compress the data so it can be sent cost-effectively over the Iridium Certus 100 network, in real-time, to your remote monitoring center.

A Smarter Approach to Remote Security

Protecting remote infrastructure has never been more critical – or more challenging. While traditional security measures struggle to balance cost and coverage, the combination of low-bit rate video, real time image enhancement, and power efficient satellite connectivity presents a game changing solution.

With RockREMOTE Rugged and Videosoft’s technology, organizations can deploy surveillance systems that are reliable, cost effective, and optimized for remote environments. Whether safeguarding critical national infrastructure or protecting high value assets, this technology ensures security teams have the visibility they need, when they need it most.

Smarter Security for Remote Infrastructure

Protect your critical sites with real-time video surveillance over satellite. Our RockREMOTE Rugged, combined with Videosoft’s low-bandwidth streaming, delivers cost-effective, 24/7 monitoring, even in the most challenging locations.

Complete the form, or email hello@groundcontrol.com to learn more. We’ll reply to your inquiry within one working day.

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