Satellite communications firm Inmarsat is partnering IoT solutions provider FreeWave Technologies as a distribution partner for its L-band satellite IoT services. The two companies will integrate Inmarsat’s IsatData Pro (IDP) service with FreeWave’s end-to-end IoT solutions, initially with standalone hardware terminals, with a view to integrating IDP core modules into IoT hardware and assets in the future.

IDP is a two-way, real-time, non-IP messaging service used globally to connect assets in remote locations where regular terrestrial connectivity is limited or non-existent. IDP is enabled by Inmarsat’s ELERA geostationary L-band satellite network.

The agreement will provide FreeWave’s customers with connectivity for IoT across global industries, including agriculture, oil and gas, and utilities. The new relationship will also support use of IoT in environmental tracking – including earthquake and flooding monitoring.

Jat Brainch, Chief Commercial and Digital Officer, Inmarsat, said: “We’re excited to be welcoming FreeWave as an Inmarsat Distribution Partner. FreeWave is an established name in the IoT market and we are looking forward to collaborating with them to build customer-centric solutions as we both look to grow our IoT footprint.

“We are particularly focused on the positive sustainable outcomes we believe this partnership can provide FreeWave’s customers. After all, you cannot manage what you cannot measure, and we believe solutions that enable better automation and digitalisation of the data capture process to collect granular, real-time results are increasingly essential to achieving our collective Net Zero goals in the future.”

Jeff Horton, Chief Revenue Officer at FreeWave, said: “We are delighted to become an Inmarsat Distribution Partner. Inmarsat’s bi-directional IsatData Pro service is unique in the marketplace and perfectly suited the needs of our customers. We look forward to working closely with the Inmarsat team over the coming months to grow our market share in the satellite IoT space.”

“Sustainability is on the minds of all our clients. Now, being able to offer satellite connectivity that is suited for a myriad of applications will keep their remote devices providing the critical data they need to make better informed business decisions. We are now able to give them trusted connectivity from Inmarsat that complements our comprehensive offer from data collection to a data platform serving data driven insights for enhanced decision making. We are truly excited for what’s still to come from this partnership.”