In May 2023, Viasat purchased Inmarsat; the combined company operates over 19 satellites in Ka-, L- and S-bands; we’re most interested in what was the Inmarsat L-band service, as this is the best radio frequency for IoT applications. It’s the network upon which NB-NTN, IoT Nano (OGx), IoT Pro (BGAN M2M) and the Go-anywhere Pro (BGAN) service depends.
New: Viasat NB-NTN
Viasat is in the process of launching a standards-based service utilizing NB-IoT. We anticipate that this service will be available in Q1 2026.
Variously known as standards-based, NTN, and D2D, this new service is based around cellular standards which have been adapted to allow data to travel over satellite using the same protocols. It promises easier integration, lower hardware costs, and for very small volumes of data, lower airtime rates.
It’s important to stress that the NB-NTN service isn’t currently global; coverage is available over North America, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe.
RockBLOCK RTU houses the new Viasat NB-NTN SIM; we’re currently testing this, and looking for beta test partners whose application might suit this technology. Please get in touch if it’s of interest.
IoT Nano Devices (OGx)
These modems can be use to transmit sensor data, but also to control remote applications. They're used most frequently to monitor and manage assets in Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas and Utilities.
IoT Pro Devices (BGAN M2M)
Monitor or control to any remote valve, pump, ATM, traffic light, credit card terminal, moving truck or vehicle, or any other device for full-time connectivity from anywhere on the globe – all with a very low monthly subscription fee.
Go-anywhere Pro Devices (BGAN)
Go-anywhere Pro is the hands-down winner for carry-portable global high-speed Internet and ease of operation by anyone.
More About Viasat
Viasat’s IoT network is in geostationary orbit, some 35,786 km (22,236 miles) above Earth. They have almost global coverage, with only the far north and south latitudes not covered. It is a stable, well established satellite network that’s trusted by Aviation, Government, Infrastructure and Maritime organizations to deliver their data securely.
Viasat’s network is also being leveraged by telecommunication companies like Skylo and Myriota to deliver Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) NB-IoT services, enabling low-power, wide-area connectivity for IoT devices in remote regions. Viasat is also working on its own NB-IoT service, called IoT Direct. This is expected to unlock new applications for satellite IoT connectivity, as the cost of both hardware and airtime is expected to be lower.
Viasat's Data Security Measures
Viasat applies defense-grade cybersecurity to its commercial IoT and critical infrastructure networks through real-time monitoring, AI-driven threat detection, encrypted data transmission, and strict access controls. Their Security Operations Center (SOC) ensures rapid incident response, while compliance measures protect data integrity.
For high-throughput industrial IoT, Viasat secures remote assets with encrypted VPNs, log management, and advanced monitoring. Their Cybersecurity Operations Center (CSOC) protects satellites and ground stations from cyber threats, ensuring end-to-end security for mission-critical data.
Case Studies and News Stories
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Ultra Low Power at Scale: Unlocking NTN NB-IoT with NIDD
Learn how NTN NB‑IoT uses NIDD vs UDP/IP to extend battery life and enable cost‑efficient satellite IoT for remote massive IoT applications.
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BGAN M2M’s Role in Soil Moisture Monitoring to Help Combat Climate Change
As well as optimum vegetation and crop management through soil moisture monitoring, measuring soil moisture also helps to inform our understanding of how the natural environment responds to climate change. Here’s how the IoT Pro (BGAN M2M) service is supporting this initiative.
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Your Top Questions About NTN NB-IoT, Answered
Answers to common NTN NB-IoT questions. Explore use cases, limitations, and how to get started with low power satellite IoT connectivity.
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Facilitating Renewable Energy with RWE
RWE is one of the world’s leading renewable energy companies, and operates 5 hydroelectric stations in Wales, UK. This is an area of significant rainfall, which can lead to damaging and dangerous floods. But with enough advance warning, RWE can harness this rainfall and use it to supply more renewable energy to the grid. This is how satellite connectivity made that possible.
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Utilizing VSAT and BGAN to Achieve Broadband Internet
Facilitating operation connectivity in remote areas can be a real challenge for organizations. But there are two popular options for IP communications over satellite – VSAT and Inmarsat’s BGAN. Learn how they work, and their relative strengths and weaknesses in the delivery of broadband internet.
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Report: How Satellite IoT Connectivity Supports Data Security
Discover how satellite networks enhance IoT security in our latest report. Learn best practices for protecting critical infrastructure.
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BGAN M2M – a Reliable, Global Satellite Data Service for Asset-Monitoring and Control
Monitoring and control systems in remote, unmanned locations require a reliable and cost-effective communications service to collect and transmit data to operations centres for further processing.
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Comparing the Cost of BGAN Satellite Connectivity with Field Engineers
Nobody questions the value of data extracted from oil well sites. In this blog post we’re comparing the pros and cons of both options – man or BGAN satellite connectivity machine.
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Would you like to know more?
We’ve been a gold tier Viasat partner since 2007, and we pretty much know all there is to know about Viasat’s satellites, airtime and service proposition.
If you’d like some advice on your project, or a quote for your Viasat-enabled device or airtime, please email hello@groundcontrol.com, or complete the form, and we’ll be happy to help.