Integrated Management of Satellite and Cellular Communications Enables Smooth Satellite IoT System Construction

SORACOM, Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Ken Tamagawa) announced today the launch of its satellite communication (NTN) service in Japan, integrated with its AI/IoT communication platform, "SORACOM." This integration allows for unified management of satellite and cellular communications within Japan, enabling the development and operation of IoT systems utilizing satellite communication, even in areas where terrestrial radio waves do not reach. This service is a collaboration with Skylo Technologies (hereinafter "Skylo"), which has been officially available in North America, Europe, and Oceania since 2025, and is now expanding its service area to include Japan.

The satellite network utilized by Skylo employs geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites approximately 36,000 km above the equator. Compared to low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites used for satellite broadband communication, GEO satellites can cover a wide area continuously with fewer satellites.

SORACOM and Skylo have been working to enable the management of Skylo's IoT satellite communication network using NB-IoT (NTN: Non-Terrestrial Network) on the SORACOM platform.

With preparations now complete for service provision in Japan, satellite communication will become available to users in the country. The service can be accessed by adding the satellite communication-compatible subscription "planNT1" to a SORACOM IoT SIM via OTA (over-the-air). Please note that a 3GPP Release-17 NB-NTN compatible radio module (including compatible firmware) is required for use. This eliminates the need for dedicated satellite antennas or modules, allowing a single device to switch between satellite and cellular communication based on network conditions, and transmit IoT data even from locations without terrestrial cellular coverage.

The AI/IoT communication platform SORACOM is designed to optimize IoT device and cloud connectivity, and also supports the utilization of systems built with satellite communication. Since satellite and cellular communications can be managed on the same console, and SORACOM's services such as data encryption, cloud integration, data collection/dashboard sharing, and private network connections can be used as is, IoT systems utilizing satellite communication can be built as smoothly as when using SORACOM's cellular communication.

The GEO satellite network is ideal for use cases that require coverage over vast areas, even if the data volume per transmission is small. Examples include infrastructure monitoring for power, gas, roads, and railways across wide regions where cellular communication is unavailable, and data collection in agriculture, forestry, and mining. It is also expected to serve as a backup communication method during disasters.

Delphire, Inc. in California, USA, is utilizing this service for the communication needs of its wildfire early detection and monitoring system, which uses AI. Dr. Gilberto DeSalvo, Founder and CEO of Delphire, stated:

"Our solution, 'Sentinels,' monitors and alerts for signs of fires occurring near communities and critical infrastructure. These are often located in remote or difficult-to-access areas. The SORACOM and Skylo solution provides the satellite communication network necessary for our system to continue operating in these challenging environments."

Dr. Gilberto DeSalvo, Founder and CEO of Delphire, Inc.

SORACOM aims to support customer innovation by providing easier access to cutting-edge technologies centered on IoT/AI, including communication environments independent of terrestrial infrastructure through the convergence of satellite and cellular communications.

Support for Satellite Communication (NTN) on the AI/IoT Communication Platform SORACOM

Service Availability Countries

Japan

North America (USA, Canada)

Europe

Oceania (Australia, New Zealand)

Brazil

Expansion to other regions and countries is planned sequentially.

How to Use

Add the satellite communication-compatible subscription "planNT1" to a SORACOM IoT SIM via OTA

SORACOM IoT SIM "plan01s" (available in over 180 countries and regions globally)

Requirements include meeting usage conditions such as a 3GPP Release-17 NB-NTN compatible radio module (including compatible firmware).

*Limited areas may apply within Japan due to certain regulatory zones. *Please use modules that comply with the laws and regulations of the country or region of use.

Pricing and Application for Use

Companies interested in using the service are invited to inquire via the following link:

https://soracom.jp/contact/

About SORACOM

SORACOM, an AI/IoT platform, provides IoT communication that connects to over 200 countries and regions worldwide, along with the applications and devices necessary for IoT utilization, all in one stop. It is used by customers across various industries and scales, from industrial DX in manufacturing, energy, and payments, to innovative startups, and initiatives supporting sustainable local communities such as agriculture and disaster prevention.

SORACOM Corporate Site https://soracom.com