Sateliot and Nordic Achieve First 5G IoT Satellite Link

Sateliot has achieved a significant milestone by completing the first-ever 5G IoT transmission between a standard commercial cellular IoT device and its Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The success demonstrates that existing cellular IoT devices can connect directly to satellites with no hardware modifications, thereby creating true interoperability between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.

For telecom operators, it represents a breakthrough in extending coverage beyond traditional infrastructure, offering seamless IoT connectivity anywhere on Earth.

Seamless interoperability for existing IoT networks

The demonstration utilised Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151, a low-power cellular IoT module renowned for its efficiency and extended battery life.

Without modification, the device connected to Sateliot’s LEO constellation, replicating the same roaming experience mobile networks provide on the ground.

The project was developed in collaboration with Nordic Semiconductor and Gatehouse Satcom, validating compliance with the 5G NB-IoT Release 17 standard.

Standardisation ensures that telecom providers can integrate satellite IoT into their existing infrastructure, extending network reach without overhauling hardware or operations.

Expanding global IoT coverage

Currently, terrestrial networks cover only around 20% of the planet. Sateliot’s LEO constellation closes the gap, enabling IoT connectivity across the entire globe.

The solution opens up new possibilities for telecoms and enterprises operating in remote environments, spanning logistics, smart agriculture, energy, defence and critical infrastructure.

Oyvind Birkenes, Executive Vice President of the Long Range Business Unit at Nordic Semiconductor, explained, “The lack of global and harmonised coverage has held back the IoT and M2M markets for years.

"With this breakthrough, it’s now possible to create low-power devices with satellite connectivity and accelerate deployments across key use cases.”

Europe leads in satellite-driven IoT

By enabling standard, low-cost IoT devices to connect from space, Sateliot reinforces Europe’s leadership in satellite and 5G innovation.

The achievement supports Europe’s goals for competitiveness, security and technological autonomy while democratising access to affordable IoT connectivity worldwide.

Jesper Noer, VP Commercial at Gatehouse Satcom, adds: “It’s an honour to contribute to this milestone.

"Sateliot is a clear first-mover in satellite IoT and this collaboration shows that standardised technologies can achieve remarkable progress when aligned.”

Unlocking new telecom opportunities

For telecom operators, Sateliot’s technology delivers global, low-cost IoT connectivity that complements terrestrial networks.

It enables continuous coverage across land, sea and remote regions, expanding service capabilities and driving new revenue opportunities.

Jaume Sanpera, Sateliot’s CEO and co-founder, says: “We’re facing a technological and strategic milestone comparable to Starlink’s first mobile connection: one that proves Europe can lead the democratisation of connectivity from space.”

Sateliot has already secured US$290 million (€250 million) in recurring contracts with more than 450 customers in more than 50 countries and aims to reach US$1.16 billion (€1 billion) in revenue by 2030.

The achievement redefines the boundaries of telecom connectivity, creating a seamless global IoT ecosystem that bridges the gap between terrestrial and satellite networks.