M2M One launches satellite IoT service for remote industries

M2M One has introduced a new satellite Internet of Things (IoT) service for industries operating in Australia and New Zealand and appointed a new Director to lead channel and direct sales in the region.

The new offering, known as M2M One Satellite Airtime, is the first industrial IoT satellite solution in Australia to combine data plans with associated hardware, aiming to support businesses in sectors where reliable connectivity is essential and often difficult to maintain.

According to M2M One, the service will be available to channel partners who can access satellite connectivity services on networks such as Iridium and Inmarsat. This is expected to benefit organisations managing remote assets or where existing land-based cellular networks are insufficient.

Kat Dempsey, Senior Director for Revenue and Services APAC at Semtech, said, "Satellite connectivity plays a vital role in supporting Australian industries, yet current solutions remain expensive and complicated – leaving customers to independently source, integrate, and manage their own data and hardware.

"By listening to our customers and drawing on our experience as ANZ's leading IoT airtime experts, robust operator relationships and broad hardware portfolio, we are reshaping the market by delivering simplified satellite connectivity solutions."

M2M One states that the Satellite Airtime service is intended for mission critical applications, acting as a back-up for when cellular or other land-based systems fail. The service is directed at industries such as mining, energy, agriculture, logistics, fleet management, defence, aviation, autonomous systems and emergency services.

The company has highlighted several use cases for the solution, including the tracking of assets and vehicles, environmental and conditions monitoring, critical communications, wellness wearables, surveillance, and site safety for organisations operating in remote areas.

To support the roll-out and customer engagement, Byron Thanoupoulos has been appointed as Director, Product Management, IoT Connected Services – APAC. Thanoupoulos previously worked as a Director at Asurion, a global technology business, before joining M2M One in January.

"M2M One has long set the benchmark for excellence in IoT services, and I'm thrilled to be part of the team as we expand into satellite connectivity," said Thanoupoulos.

"With its strong foundation and customer-first mindset, M2M One is uniquely positioned to lead the industry in delivering next-generation satellite solutions," he added.

The solution is being supported by hardware from M2M Connectivity, which the company describes as Australia's largest distributor and supplier of IoT devices. M2M Connectivity supplies devices from 30 global manufacturers and helps provide local expertise via a team of IoT engineers.

M2M One will make the Satellite Airtime solution available in a choice of bundled packages, which combine airtime and hardware across various tiers to accommodate both small and large-scale deployments. Alternatively, customers can purchase airtime and hardware as separate products, depending on specific requirements.

"We have worked closely with our partners and customers through proof-of-concept initiatives and targeted projects to gain valuable insights and lessons. These learnings, combined with our global perspective and strategic partnerships, are driving our ability to deliver simplified, customer-focused solutions to market," said Kat Dempsey.

The Satellite Airtime service will be available throughout Australia and New Zealand, expanding upon M2M One's established portfolio and customer base, which includes deployments for small vessel monitoring with AssetLink Global, critical communications for the Country Fire Authority, and emergency satellite connectivity for the NSW Rural Fire Service.