Article First published at Designrush.com
Key Takeaways:
- Global connectivity for over 8 million devices is being enabled through satellite IoT technology.
- The 5G satellite network is addressing cost and accessibility challenges, making IoT more feasible.
- Strategic investments and partnerships are driving global expansion in the satellite IoT sector.
Almost 5,000 devices connect to the internet every minute.
As this number increases, so does the need for global network coverage — as much of the world still lacks access to cost-effective satellite Internet of Things (IoT) due to remote locations and high costs.
Sateliot addresses this gap by providing IoT connectivity through standard 5G Narrowband IoT. With contracts to connect over 8 million devices globally, the company demonstrates that the demand for this solution is real — and it’s only growing.
In our interview, Gianluca Redolfi, CCO of Sateliot, discusses how Sateliot makes satellite IoT more accessible and scalable by providing connectivity without requiring additional hardware or proprietary networks.
Who Is Gianluca Redolfi?
Gianluca Redolfi, CCO of Sateliot, has more than 15 years’ experience in the Telecom and Digital industry as a strategic consultant and 9 years as a Mobile Operator as CMO & CCO, Having worked and lived in more than 8 countries across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, he developed strong multicultural and language skills, enhancing his leadership and execution abilities in diverse environments. A strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, Gianluca excels in branding, marketing, communication, customer analytics, and behavioral insights, consistently driving success in complex and dynamic markets.
According to Gianluca, Sateliot’s mission is to extend connectivity beyond cities to rural areas and oceans by integrating its 5G satellite network with existing cellular networks:
“We believe that a connected world is a better world. While many are familiar with the concept of Smart Cities, our mission is to extend that transformative revolution to the rural areas and oceans of the world, which together account for 85% of the Earth’s surface.”
To do this, the company built its own 5G satellite constellation, which extends the terrestrial cellular networks from space.
The result?
Creating a seamless user experience with the same cellular device — connected anywhere and everywhere. Breaking Barriers with Cost-Effective Satellite IoT
As Gianluca points out, traditional satellite connectivity relies on proprietary networks and specialized equipment. This means that end users need separate devices for cellular and satellite connectivity, which equals complicated usage and more costs.
On top of that, traditional satellite services are costly, making them impractical for various applications and hindering the scalability needed for widespread IoT deployments. Sateliot’s 5G satellite network supports cellular NB-IoT devices outside of cellular coverage zones — ensuring connectivity without additional hardware.
This shift in connectivity removes long-standing barriers, making satellite IoT a viable solution for industries operating beyond the reach of traditional networks.
Industries like agriculture, transport, livestock, maritime, and more rely on critical data to improve decision-making and productivity.
This is especially true in remote areas where traditional networks fall short.
“These sectors stand to benefit significantly from gaining control over critical data, enhancing their decision-making processes and overall productivity,” Gianluca says.
Scaling Operations with Satellite IoT Connectivity
Besides connectivity, Gianluca tells me that many companies have been able to scale their operations using satellite IoT. Sateliot changed the game when it expanded satellite IoT connectivity from critical applications — such as avalanche detection or tracking of high-value goods — to the customer.
This is because now, consumers can use the same device they typically use on the terrestrial network.
“This changes everything, allowing large-scale projects also over satellite. While IoT has proven effective in urban environments, much of the world has yet to benefit from satellite IoT due to its historically prohibitive costs. This is where Sateliot is revolutionizing the IoT landscape,” he says.
As per a Deloitte study, about 95% of the global population is covered by a mobile broadband network.
However, about 400 million people still don’t have access. As a result, they stand to benefit from satellite-based mobile services.
To this end, Sateliot has secured contracts to connect over 8 million devices worldwide.
“While IoT has proven effective in urban environments, much of the world has yet to benefit from satellite IoT due to its historically prohibitive costs. This clearly demonstrates that the market is ready, but the right solution was previously unavailable,” Gianluca points out.
In a partnership with device-first IoT connectivity solution provider Eseye, Sateliot expanded the coverage of mobile network operators (MNOs) and mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). The two companies share many clients — those who seek satellite coverage without the need to change SIM cards, switch operators, or make captive investments.
“Customers want their devices to connect and by working with Sateliot we can extend coverage beyond the current cellular offer. Together, we are paving the way for seamless, global connectivity that takes Eseye’s already highly resilient network to new heights to enable the interconnected world of tomorrow,” says Adam Hayes, COO at Eseye.
In addition, the European Investment Bank (EIB) approved a €30 million ($31.3 million) loan to Sateliot to co-finance the rollout of its constellation of over 100 LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellites.
Securing Major Investment for Global Expansion
With the backing of the EIB and an ongoing Series B round (which has already secured an additional €45 million), Sateliot will deploy 64 satellites over the next 18 months.
The company secured this backing through the InvestEU program, which supports investment, innovation, and job creation in Europe.
“By focusing on cutting-edge technologies in satellite communication, Sateliot has not only attracted major investment but is also expanding globally, connecting millions of devices worldwide. This partnership shows the power of strategic financing and EU resources in propelling a company to the forefront of the competitive space industry. The potential for growth is limitless when the right support is in place,” Gianluca adds.
Sateliot’s success is part of the EIB’s broader effort to fund innovative space companies.
“With support from the European Commission, the EIB also offers venture debt loans to advanced-stage space companies. Since 2020, the Bank has thus become a key global financier of new space technologies in the European Union, including the recent financing totaling €90 million ($94 million) for European New Space leaders like Spire Global, D-Orbit, EnduroSat, Kayrros, Gomspace, and LeafSpace,” he explains.
The Sateliot financing is the latest addition to the EIB’s diversified New Space portfolio, as the first New Space company financed with venture debt in Spain, and the first in the communication segment ever.
Demystifying Satellite IoT and Global Connectivity
Despite the significant progress made in expanding satellite IoT, misconceptions about its complexity and cost remain.
According to Gianluca, satellite IoT can be misunderstood due to all the different technologies in the market.
“At Sateliot, we see ourselves as a natural extension of coverage for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs). Our satellites function like cell towers in space, seamlessly integrating with MNO networks,” he explains.
“What sets us apart is our unique ability to ‘speak the MNO language,’ ensuring compatibility and simplicity. This focus on collaboration, rather than competition, allows us to enhance global connectivity while demystifying satellite IoT for our partners and users.”
Sateliot is changing global connectivity by bridging the gap between satellite IoT and existing mobile networks.
This innovation removes cost and accessibility barriers, enabling businesses in remote sectors to operate more efficiently and at scale.
As industries rely more on data, Sateliot’s solution is emerging as a key driver of success, turning seamless connectivity from a luxury into an accessible tool for all.
