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Satellite Connectivity for IoT

Blend satellite and cellular into one global network

Add satellite coverage to your Soracom SIM over the air and keep sending meaningful IoT data where there’s no terrestrial signal. 3GPP Release-17 NB-NTN compatible radio modules blend satellite seamlessly with cellular so your devices stay online from coastlines to mountaintops.

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Setting you up for success with satellite

Soracom was purpose-built to optimize the way you connect IoT devices to the cloud, and with satellite the payoff is exponential.

Coverage for remote areas

Reach mountains, coasts, and wide-open terrain with NB-NTN GEO satellite.

Operate hybrid networks

Keep one SIM, one platform, one bill across cellular and satellite network usage.

Send fewer, smarter bytes

Leverage low-data protocols to reduce data overhead and deliver compact payloads to Soracom and pass HTTPS/MQTTS to cloud end-points.

Centralized management

Activate, monitor, and secure connectivity in the Soracom Console.

Secure by design

Isolate traffic from the public internet with Virtual Private Gateway (VPG), without a private APN.

Built-in backup for critical data

Maintain connections for critical alerts and device data, even when cellular fails.

Deploy satellite when outcomes require remote coverage

Monitor rivers and wildfire risk, watch pipelines and remote assets, track vessels and cargo, or send SOS messages from the backcountry.

Common industries include:

  • Environmental
  • Energy
  • Maritime

  • Logistics
  • Public safety

 

Add satellite coverage with an over the air update

If you have a compatible radio module, adding satellite can be done with software. Use Subscription Container technology to upload satellite coverage profiles to your SIM over the air. Your device will then have the ability to send small UDP packets via GEO satellites to where Soracom routes them to your cloud endpoint of choice.

Learn about Subscription Containers

Route data your way

Translate UDP to HTTPS/MQTT with Beam, stream with Funnel, or invoke serverless with Funk.

Avoid the public internet

Use VPG, Canal, and Door to private-route, peer, and access devices securely.

Automate security operations

Use Event Handler to alert on anomalies, lock SIMs by IMEI, or suspend devices when thresholds hit.

Design for bytes, not megabytes

IoT Satellite connectivity is built for periodic or event-based telemetry. Typical payloads are 50–256 bytes with 5-10 s latency — perfect for alerts, status, and sensor data.

Leverage Soracom’s connectivity platform features to take control of security and data routing to optimize this experience.

Reducing payload size
Technical Deep Dive

Learn more about Soracom’s Unified Endpoint feature that unlocks a wide range of security and routing services.

Technical Documentation

Choose the path that fits your build

Blend with cellular

Keep cellular as primary and add satellite for out-of-coverage events. One SIM, unified billing.

Go satellite-first

For devices that mostly live beyond terrestrial coverage. Optimize payloads for low duty cycles.

Technical Specifications

General
Standard / RAT 3GPP Release-17 NB-NTN (GEO ~36,000 km)
Bands B23 (NA), B255 (EU), B256 (Global)
Protocols UDP over IP; other IP protocols and NIDD planned
Data Frequency Periodic / Packet-based / non-streaming
Payloads Average payload: 50–256 bytes; Maximum payload: 1200 bytes
Latency Median latency ~5–10 seconds typical
Power Modes PSM & eDRX Supported
Downlink Supported
Regions USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand
Activation OTA via Subscription Container (plan01s / plan-US)
Not For TCP-based streaming, voice/SMS/video, or broadband failover.

TCP/HTTP/MQTT are not supported
Want a quick technical review?

Share your payload and module details. We’ll confirm coverage, firmware, and routing patterns before you pilot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a new SIM?
No. Add planNT1 to plan01s or plan-US over the air using Subscription Container.
How big and how often can I send messages?
Keep payloads to 50–256 bytes. Plan for periodic or event messages, roughly ≤ ~20/minute in typical designs.
Can I use MQTT directly from the device?
Not recommended over satellite NB-IoT. Use device-side UDP and let Soracom Beam convert to HTTPS/MQTT.
Which modules are compatible?
R17-capable NB-IoT modules from vendors like Murata, Quectel, Telit, Sierra, and Blues Wireless. Check the current certified list before ordering.
Is downlink supported?
Yes. Use downlink for acknowledgments and compact commands.
Is this a backup for broadband?
No. planNT1 is for small, meaningful IoT messages — not broadband or video streaming.