Discussions underway between Sateliot, Spanish satellite operator, and European militaries for potential 5G provision
Madrid-based satellite startup Sateliot is engaging in negotiations with multiple European defense ministries to provide 5G connectivity for their military operations, according to the company's co-founders. This initiative aims to offer narrowband 5G connections, suitable for small devices, via a constellation of low-Earth-orbit satellites, extending coverage to remote areas where terrestrial networks are limited.
The startup, which recently secured €70 million in funding, expects to begin providing this service within the next two months. It plans to deploy approximately 100 satellites by 2028 and generate €1 billion in revenue by 2030. The technology is based on the 3GPP Release 17 NB-IoT standards, ensuring compatibility with existing Internet of Things (IoT) devices and future-proofing military communications.
European countries have expressed interest in Sateliot's services as they look to reduce reliance on non-European satellite providers like Elon Musk's Starlink. The company is also exploring opportunities with logistics companies, farmers, oil platforms, and environmental applications. It currently operates five nano satellites, each roughly the size of a microwave oven, and serves 12 test clients.
The Spanish state holds a 20% stake in Sateliot following the most recent funding round. End-users can expect to pay around €2.50 per month to connect a device for brief daily use once the commercial service is launched. The company will gradually improve the quality of the connection, making real-time voice communication possible as its constellation becomes denser.
- The engagement with European defense ministries by Sateliot, a Madrid-based satellite startup, extends beyond military operations to inclusive exploration in science, industry, and space-and-astronomy, as the company also seeks opportunities with logistics companies, farmers, oil platforms, and environmental applications.
- In the realm of technology meeting finance, Sateliot's recent €70 million funding will not only accelerate its growth plans, with 100 satellites deployed by 2028 and a projected €1 billion revenue by 2030, but also ensure compatibility with existing IoT devices, thanks to the 3GPP Release 17 NB-IoT standards, thereby future-proofing military communications and Technology Industry developments.
