Introducing RockBLOCK RTU
For off‑grid deployments where widely dispersed sensors lie beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, RockBLOCK RTU functions as a compact, low power micro‑data logger, capturing and forwarding your sensor data to the cloud.
RockBLOCK RTU has a choice of connections: cellular NB-IoT, NTN NB-IoT (utilizing Viasat NB-NTN), or Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD). Choose NB-NTN for very small data packets, delivered periodically, and SBD for more frequent transmissions, and global coverage.
Easily deployed wherever there’s a clear view of the sky, RockBLOCK RTU integrates seamlessly with Ground Control’s Cloudloop platform for real time visibility and control.

1,200
Bytes Send
Ultra Low
Power Consumption
10-60
Seconds Latency*
*MVNO scheduling could increase this to 2-5 mins

NB-NTN Coverage
Viasat NB-NTN is a narrowband satellite IoT service providing near-global coverage via geostationary L-band satellites. The service will launch in early 2026 and will initially be available in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and Europe.
It is designed for massive IoT deployments that send very small data packets, making it highly efficient for applications in utilities, agriculture, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring. NB-NTN combines wide-area reach with low power operation, enabling devices to remain connected and efficiently sending data, even in the most remote and challenging environments.
Benefits of NB-NTN
Comparing Satellite IoT Connectivity
It’s tricky to compare airtime services because so much depends on how much data you need to send, but as a rough guide, we’ve put together the following comparison points. Get in touch if you’d like any help deciding what will work best for you.
NTN NB-IoT* |
Cellular NB-IoT |
Proprietary Satellite IoT** |
|
Max. Practical Payload |
1,200 bytes |
1,400 - 1,600 bytes |
16,000 bytes |
Min. Practical Payload |
10-30 bytes |
30-50 bytes |
10 bytes |
Latency |
Medium (10 - 60s); MVNO scheduling could increase this to 2 - 5 mins) |
Low (1 - 10s) |
Medium (c. 15-60s) |
Coverage |
United States, Canada, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand and select European markets |
Where supported by regional MNOs, and there is terrestrial infrastructure |
Global, exc. Polar regions |
Cost-Optimized Monthly Data Volume |
< 50 KB |
< 5 MB |
< 1 MB |
*Based on Viasat NB-NTN | **Based on Viasat IoT Nano
Get ready for the next generation of IoT connectivity
Viasat’s NB-NTN service is opening up exciting possibilities for connecting devices beyond the limits of terrestrial networks. While coverage is currently limited and the technology is still evolving, now is the perfect time to explore how it could fit into your IoT strategy.
Integrating NB-NTN isn’t as simple as plugging into an existing NB-IoT system. With smaller message sizes and options like Non-IP Data Delivery (NIDD), you may need to rethink how your data is structured and transmitted. That’s where our team comes in.
Talk to us today to understand the current state of the technology, explore potential use cases, and start planning for when and where NB-NTN makes the most sense for your business.
Just complete the form or email hello@groundcontrol.com, and we’ll come back to you within one working day.