Inmarsat is to provide the satellite connectivity backbone on which Dutch IoT-as-a-service provider Hiber will continue to build Hiberband, its low-cost, low-power network for IoT products.

The agreement pairs Inmarsat’s recently-unveiled Elera global satellite network for IoT with Hiber’s IoT-as-a-service ecosystem to provide easy-to-use, low power and cost-effective IoT services to transport, logistics, agriculture, mining and other industries worldwide.

Hiber will continue using its proprietary protocols that allow for low-power and low-data consumption levels to connect to the Elera network and power its IoT offerings. Additionally, the partnership will enable Hiber to support a range of industrial IoT applications and provide its customers with reliable, affordable connectivity even in areas without dependable cellular or wifi network availability.

“Inmarsat Elera builds on our global leadership in L-band satellite services, providing a reliable, resilient and global narrowband network that is ideally suited to the rapidly evolving world of the internet of things,” said Mike Carter, president of Inmarsat Enterprise. “We are delighted to work with Hiber to provide the IoT connectivity backbone that will support and accelerate their development of proven industrial IoT services worldwide. Together we will extend the efficiency, sustainability and productivity benefits that IoT can offer to businesses in those areas where terrestrial or cellular connectivity is either unreliable or non-existent.”

Roel Jansen, CEO of Hiber, added: “The internet of things is changing everything. We are witnessing the kind of transformation not seen since the industrial revolution. This strategic partnership with Inmarsat creates the most powerful global network for IoT available and helps Hiber to focus on rural, remote and industrial IoT, which is where the real life-changing innovation will happen.”

He said the partnership also gave Hiber immediate access to a global market, helping it accelerate its time to market, supporting new industrial IoT offerings and widening access to cost-effective near real-time two-way communication on proven, reliable technology.

“We are excited about what we see as the start of a long-term relationship to jointly develop and commercialise services and products aimed at addressing the challenges of the internet of things,” said Jansen.

Hiber designs, builds and operates end-to-end IoT services focused on industrial use. It has launched a global IoT satellite network to help it to deliver cost-effective, easy-to-use products, including HiberHilo for oil and gas well integrity monitoring, and HiberEasypulse for asset tracking and fleet monitoring.

The company was founded in 2016 and has offices in Amsterdam and Delft in the Netherlands, and Maryland in the USA. It recently secured €26m in EU and private investment.