Massive IoT Satellite Connectivity
Unlock new satellite IoT applications with 3GPP standards-based NTN NB-IoT service. Designed for 100s - 1,000s of endpoints.
Massive IoT vs. Critical IoT
The introduction of NTN NB-IoT services has opened up a new class of satellite IoT: low cost, low energy use, and very small data volumes.
NTN NB-IoT lends itself to applications with hundreds of endpoints, where there isn’t a need for real-time data.
For example: fleet management and goods tracking; smart grid management; precision agriculture and livestock monitoring; inventory management; lower-value asset tracking and predictive maintenance; air and water quality monitoring.
You can anticipate receiving your data a few times a day, and the service is intended for very simple sensor readings; it becomes cost-prohibitive if you want to send aggregated gateway data.
The low data / high latency trade-off is greater affordability (depending on data volumes), and the capability to run off battery power for a substantial period of time.
Key Benefits of Ground Control's NTN NB-IoT Services
20+ Years Satellite IoT Expertise
We’ve been delivering reliable satellite IoT connectivity since 2003, so you’ll get a solution that fits your specific needs from day one.
Direct-to-Cloud Sensor Delivery
Transmit your sensor data over satellite straight into your chosen cloud platform using Cloudloop Data. Fully tested and ready for 3GPP-compliant NTN NB-IoT.
Reduced Hardware Costs with Hybrid Modules
Use a single 3GPP Rel-17-compliant cellular + satellite radio module for both terrestrial and NTN NB-IoT links, cutting component and integration spend.
Flexible, Competitive Tariffs
Our partnerships with Viasat (IoT Direct) and Iridium (NTN Direct) deliver a range of low-power NB-NTN plans, so you get the best coverage and pricing mix.
Supported Cloud Integrations
Data is sent over satellite directly to your chosen endpoint, with options including HTTP Webhook, Email, MQTT, FTP, AWS S3 or SQS, Azure Queue, Service Bus or Storage, Google Pub/Sub or Storage, and IoT platforms like ThingsBoard and ThingSpeak. This happens without any relay server, SDK installation, or on-device credentials required.
Use Cases for NTN NB-IoT
Fleet & Goods Tracking
Scheduled NB‑IoT bursts deliver your vehicle and cargo locations on a predictable cadence, enabling efficient route planning and reduced idle mileage without constant power drain.
Smart Grid Management
Smart meters and grid sensors can report meter reads and status updates over NB‑IoT, cutting manual reads and operational overhead while ensuring timely billing and fault alerts.
Agriculture & Livestock Monitoring
Soil, moisture, and animal health sensors send intermittent data bursts, automating irrigation schedules and welfare checks without requiring constant connectivity.
Environmental Monitoring
Air and water quality sensors relay pollution and compliance data several times per day, supporting timely alerts and ecosystem protection with multi‑year battery life.
Predictive Maintenance
Equipment health sensors dispatch intermittent telemetry to feed analytics engines, forecasting failures and enabling planned servicing that cuts unplanned downtime by up to 50%.
Asset Tracking
NB‑IoT-enabled trackers deliver location and condition updates several times a day, giving you visibility of lower-value assets worldwide, and without needing frequent battery changes.
NTN NB-IoT Service Architecture
From prototype to scale, Ground Control delivers full-stack satellite IoT – starting with the transceiver and extending to data delivery. For NTN, sensors typically connect to an external device with both antenna and modem, as a clear view of the sky is essential (see antenna guidance).
Data is sent via Viasat IoT Direct (Q4 2025) or Iridium NTN Direct (2026), then routed through Ground Control infrastructure for flexible, secure delivery. Whether you use our APIs or Cloudloop, you get simple provisioning, billing, and analytics, all backed by deep integration with satellite networks.
Find the Right Coverage for Your Application
NTN
LTE Cat 1
LTE Cat 1 is ideal for fast-moving applications with a decent power source, e.g. trucks, trains and larger drones. It offers fast data speeds and low latency. It is relatively power-hungry, and it’s not globally available (learn why). Early services are anticipated in late 2025.
E.g. Starlink D2C
NTN
NB-IoT
NB-IoT works well in stationary, low power applications, such as environmental monitoring. It transmits small volumes of data a few times a day, which lightens the load on power draw. Designed for 100s of endpoints.
E.g. Iridium NTN Direct and Viasat IoT Direct
Proprietary
IP-Based
IP-based satellite communication delivers close to real-time connectivity coupled with the highest data rates, making this ideal for remote control of UAVs, USVs etc. It can be power-hungry and expensive, without careful use.
E.g. Iridium Certus 100 and Viasat IoT Pro
Proprietary
Message-Based
Message-based transmissions are power-efficient and cost-effective. These proprietary services are globally available and very low latency, ideal for mission-critical alerts, asset tracking, and infrastructure monitoring.
Is NTN NB-IoT right for your application?
Like anything, this new service class has strengths and weaknesses. This page aims to steer you towards the best solution, but equally, we’re experts in satellite IoT, and happy to provide a recommendation.
Email hello@groundcontrol.com or complete the form to let us know a little bit about your project, and we’ll reply within one working day.