Australian operator Optus Business has entered into an agreement with Myriota, a global specialist in nanosatellite Internet of Things (IoT), with a view to providing remote and regional connectivity for IoT devices and applications.
The operator said that this new agreement will bring together Optus’ national networks and digital enablement capabilities with Myriota’s direct-to-orbit technology to allow for massive scale communications for IoT devices across remote Australian geographies.
The IoT agreement will offer low-cost connectivity for millions of devices across multiple industries. The devices will allow companies to track assets across Australia, even in the most remote areas, Optus Business said.
Optus Business Managing Director, Chris Mitchell, said: “Working with innovative startups like Myriota allows Optus Business to help our customers capture the business improvements of next generation technologies.”
CEO and co-founder of Myriota, Alex Grant, said the agreement would unlock new opportunities for IoT applications across a wide variety of industries. “Remote connectivity has long been the missing piece of the puzzle for IoT across industries like logistics and farming, and we are thrilled to partner with Optus Business to provide a comprehensive connectivity offering,” Grant said.
“Previously, satellite connectivity has not been available or affordable for businesses with remote assets, but nanosatellites are providing a more attainable and affordable solution. By combining Optus’ national networks with our nanosatellite capability, we are able to offer a truly holistic IoT solution and help solve connectivity issues being faced in regional Australia,” the executive added.
In 2018 Myriota securd $15 million in Series A funding from companies including Singtel Innov8; the venture capital arm of Optus’ parent company Singtel.
Optus is also working to deploy 5G technology across Australia. Optus plans to deliver 1,200 5G sites across the ACT, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia by March 2020.
In February, Optus had signed a partnership with Ericsson to deploy 50 5G sites across the cities of Sydney and Melbourne over the coming months as part of Optus’ multi-vendor rollout.
Optus had also launched its 5G home broadband offering in certain areas of Canberra and Sydney in partnership with Nokia,
Optus’ multi-year 5G network build is expected to include upgrading and adding new mobile sites and densifying the network with small cells to increase capacity and speed in highly populated inner-city locations.
