Page 62 - SAMENA Trends - October 2021

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Inmarsat to Offer Global Satellite IoT in Deal with Dutch Start-Up

Inmarsat has formed what it calls a strategic relationship with will continue using its own proprietary protocols that allow for
tiny satellite company Hiber to develop internet-of-things ultra-low power and low-data consumption levels to connect to
(IoT) services. London-based Inmarsat says it will use its Elera Inmarsat’s Elera network and power its IoT solutions, said the
IoT network, announced two months ago, to enable Hiber to companies. The partnership will enable Hiber “to support a range
bring IoT solutions and services to customers. Hiber, based of new industrial IoT applications and provide its customers with
in Amsterdam and Delft as the Netherlands’ first commercial reliable, affordable connectivity even in areas without dependable
satellite company, launched two of its own in 2018, but always cellular or Wifi network availability”. Jansen added: “The
included the idea of using other operators’ satellites. Hiber CEO partnership also gives Hiber immediate access to a global market,
Roel Jansen (pictured) – who took over from founder Laurens helps us accelerate our time to market, supports new industrial IoT
Groenendijk in March 2021 – said: “We are witnessing the kind solutions and widens access to cost-effective near real-time two-
of transformation not seen since the industrial revolution. This way communication on proven, reliable technology.” Groenendijk,
strategic partnership with Inmarsat creates the most powerful who earlier founded the Just Eat sandwich bar, left Hiber in March
global network for IoT available and helps Hiber to focus on to focus on his investment activities, which include, according to
rural, remote and industrial IoT solutions, which is where the LinkedIn, Chinese transport hire company Didi Chuxing as well as
real life-changing innovation will happen.” Jansen, former VP of cryptocurrency firm Blockchain.com. Hiber confirmed at the same
sales at SurveyMonkey, added: “The partnership also gives Hiber time that it had secured €26 million in EU and private investment
immediate access to a global market, helps us accelerate our to expand its IoT satellite network.
time to market, supports new industrial IoT solutions and widens
access to cost-effective near real-time two-way communication
on proven, reliable technology.” Hiber indicated that, with the deal,
Inmarsat will provide the satellite connectivity backbone on which
it will continue to build Hiberband, its IoT network. The agreement
pairs Inmarsat’s Elera IoT network with Hiber’s IoT-as-a-service
ecosystem to provide what the two companies called “easy-to-
use, low power and cost-effective IoT solutions and services
to transport, logistics, agriculture, mining and other industries
worldwide”. Inmarsat Enterprise president Mike Carter said the
deal with Hiber will “provide the IoT connectivity backbone that
will support and accelerate their development of proven industrial
IoT solutions and services worldwide”. Carter added: “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.” Hiber

Intelsat Win Air France Contract for In-Flight Connectivity

Intelsat, operator of the world's largest integrated satellite and the most rapidly adopted satellite-based broadband connectivity
terrestrial network, has been selected by Air France to install its technology in aviation, currently in use by leading airlines across
2Ku high-speed, satellite-based inflight connectivity solution on North America, South America, Europe and Asia. "Accessing the
60 new Air France A220-300 aircraft. With deliveries commencing internet and being able to stay in touch with family and friends
in 2021, the aircraft will fly to short and medium-haul destinations while traveling has become a must have for our customers," said
of the Air France network. Intelsat's solution is the industry's Fabien Pelous, senior vice president Customer Experience of Air
leading inflight connectivity (IFC) because it simply delivers the France. "We are happy to partner with Intelsat to provide this
highest throughput and best reliability to aircraft and devices service to our customers." Investing $2 billion, initially, Intelsat is
globally, providing a superior connected passenger experience building a unified global 5G network that will support virtually any
and exceptional Net Promoter Scores (NPS). "We are honored to access technology, enabling the next generation of global mobility,
partner with Air France and delight their passengers with a superior internet of things, and 5G services. Combining software-defined
inflight connectivity experience on Airbus' state-of-the-art A220 technology and a multi-orbit, multi-layer, multi-band network,
aircraft," said John Wade, president, Commercial Aviation of we bring airlines the scale they depend upon and a single, more
Intelsat. "This award expands the total Intelsat fleet at Air France powerful way to connect easily. Connectivity on Air France's A220
to 143 aircraft, including widebody B777s and A330s. Air France fleet is expected to go live when the aircraft enters commercial
is the third airline partner to select Intelsat on the A220 airframe service in the fall of 2021.
and our first 2Ku line-fit European airline partner." Intelsat 2Ku is

62 OCTOBER 2021