GCF welcomes Sateliot as the first satellite operator to bring device interoperability based on 3GPP standards

The Global Certification Forum (GCF) and Sateliot, the first satellite LEO constellation offering NB-IoT connectivity from space under the 3GPP standard, are pleased to announce Sateliot as the industry’s first satellite operator to become a member of GCF. 

The collaboration will align and speed up the market availability of certified 3GPP Rel-17 NTN LEO-supported IoT chipsets and modules. The GCF certification programme assures device-network interoperability, as well as contributing to a reduction in testing costs, and accelerated time-to-market. In addition, both companies aim to bring ecosystem players together to support the massive adoption of IoT across the globe. 

GCF recently introduced the 3GPP Rel-17 NB-IoT/eMTC support for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) specification into its certification programme, which will support satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) access from devices to address massive use cases in sectors such as agriculture, transport, logistics and many more.

Gianluca Redolfi, Sateliot’s CCO, said: “This unprecedented agreement in the space industry sends a clear message that Sateliot’s technology is ground-breaking and disrupting the satellite industry. It’s no secret that, in the future, most IoT devices will work under standard protocols as is happening on terrestrial communications.”

Lars Nielsen, GCF’s CEO, said: “We are pleased to announce the first standards-based satellite operator joining the Global Certification Forum. We anticipate other satellite operators and manufacturers will follow, making interoperable, 3GPP standards-based cellular NTN access a reality soon.”

The first outcomes of this interoperability between satellite and cellular are expected by the end of 2023, allowing single devices to access two different connectivity modes (terrestrial and non-terrestrial).

About Sateliot

Sateliot is launching the first LEO satellite constellation based on the 5G standard, allowing commercial unmodified cellular IoT devices to connect from space. This is the first time in history that terrestrial cellular telecom is merging seamlessly with satellite connectivity, and Sateliot is leading this revolution. Sateliot’s cost-effective technology and the possibility to use low-cost commercial devices to connect to satellites opens infinite possibilities in the untapped market of massive IoT in remote areas. It aligns with Sateliot’s mission to make IoT connectivity available everywhere and to everybody.

About GCF

The Global Certification Forum (GCF) is a non-profit, global, membership driven organization that has been shaping the industry since 1999 with mobile technology at the core. GCF has over 300 members from major operators, MVNOs, all major device and IoT manufacturers, and the test industry, working together with key industry partners on certification programmes demanded by the market. www.globalcertificationforum.org