Verizon has expanded its internet of things (IoT) connectivity services to up to 200 territories worldwide using satellite, roaming and native eSIM services.
Version has signed agreements with Singtel, a Singaporean telecom and SATCOM provider Skylo.
The deal with Singtel will allow Verizon to activate devices internationally using partner-MNO networks and services. The agreement is designed to accelerate the deployment of IoT connectivity in the Asia Pacific region and offer international connectivity services from Singtel.
The agreement with Skylo extends domestic network coverage to areas where cellular connectivity may be challenged. Verizon has been actively seeking to build its satellite coverage and has been working to educate its consumers on the benefits of the technology. Now this will obviously bring higher levels of revenue to the company, but it will also give users the ability to have always-on connectivity regardless of where they go in the world.
The agreement will expand Verizon’s so-called Global IoT Orchestration allowing users to activate devices in international regions using eSIM profiles.
Previously, Verizon signed an agreement with Skylo to launch a commercial direct-to-device messaging service for Verizon users to stay connected anywhere.
Satellite IoT roaming
Skylo and Verizon have demonstrated how a Verizon-enabled IoT device can roam onto a satellite network when out of range of a terrestrial cellular network. This will help provide enhanced geographic coverage for IoT devices, Verizon said.
The companies said satellite IoT roaming is critical for IoT and potentially other applications in sectors like:
- Transportation
- Agriculture
- Maritime
- Environmental monitoring
- Asset tracking
Verizon offered an example of how an agriculture-focused satellite IoT service could be used to monitor cattle movements, crops, soil quality and meteorological conditions in remote areas where terrestrial cellular is typically not available or needed.
