Partnership Enables Satellite Coverage Across
Europe, Facilitating Personal Connectivity and Addressing the
Digital Divide in Remote and Off-Grid Regions
DUBLIN and COIMBRA, Portugal, Oct. 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- EchoStar Mobile, a leader in satellite
communications, and Connected, a startup dedicated to delivering
universal, cost-effective narrowband connectivity from space, have
announced a strategic partnership to revolutionize off-grid
connectivity. This collaboration introduces Connected One, a
cutting-edge IoT solution that leverages EchoStar's satellite
technology to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved
regions, ensuring users stay connected and safe, even when
venturing off the grid.
Under the new three-year agreement, EchoStar Mobile will supply
its advanced EM2050 modules to Connected. This integration enhances
Connected's product portfolio by incorporating direct-to-device
satellite communications, reducing the need for extensive ground
infrastructure and increasing connectivity reliability in the most
remote regions through EchoStar's geostationary satellite
network.
Connected One, described as the Ultimate Safety Companion,
transforms communication and safety in areas lacking traditional
ground networks. This compact, portable device turns any smartphone
into a satellite-enabled communication tool, allowing users to stay
in touch or request emergency assistance regardless of their
location, without the need for expensive handsets or complex
technology.
"Our mission at Connected has always been to enhance the
accessibility and reliability of basic connectivity, especially in
areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking," said
Tiago Rebelo, co-founder and CEO at
Connected. "Our partnership with EchoStar Mobile enables us to
integrate their robust geostationary satellite network coverage
into our Connected One device, providing a reliable solution for
maintaining connectivity off-grid, across Europe and soon in the U.S."
EchoStar Mobile's EM2050 modules, utilizing LoRa® technology and
operating over the licensed S-band spectrum, are central to the
functionality of Connected One. By leveraging EchoStar's
geostationary satellite, EchoStar XXI, the device offers extensive
coverage across Europe, Connected
plans to extend this service to the U.S. by late 2024. This
collaboration allows Connected to provide real-time,
interference-free communication and location tracking, enhancing
user safety and peace of mind in remote areas.
"EchoStar Mobile is dedicated to delivering affordable,
high-quality satellite IoT connectivity," said Telemaco Melia, Vice President and General
Manager at EchoStar Mobile. "Our partnership with Connected aligns
perfectly with this goal, making critical connectivity accessible
in rural and remote areas across Europe and soon the U.S., without the need for
extensive infrastructure."
Connected One is equipped with advanced features to boost safety
and connectivity in remote locations. Users can activate emergency
alerts with a single press, sending their location to designated
contacts. The device connects to smartphones via Bluetooth,
allowing custom satellite messaging when cellular networks are
unavailable. Additionally, it tracks and updates users' locations
every thirty minutes on interactive maps, all managed through the
'One Companion' app. Looking ahead, through the collaboration with
EchoStar Mobile, Connected plans to expand coverage to the U.S. and
introduce bi-directional messaging for seamless SMS-based
replies.
Overall, the partnership between Connected and EchoStar Mobile
represents a significant advance in off-grid communication. By
combining Connected's IoT solutions with EchoStar's satellite
technology, the collaboration will revolutionize personal
connectivity in remote areas. This joint effort ensures that safety
and reliable communication are universally accessible, overcoming
traditional barriers and setting new industry standards for
connectivity.
About EchoStar Mobile
EchoStar Mobile, an EchoStar
(Nasdaq: SATS) company, is a leading provider of satellite-based
mobile communications services. The company is dedicated to
delivering reliable, efficient, and secure connectivity across
Europe and the U.S., enhancing the
capabilities of IoT solutions in remote and underserved regions.
For more information, visit www.echostarmobile.com.
About Connected
Founded in 2023, Connected is
dedicated to providing universal, cost-effective narrowband
connectivity from space, aiming to bridge the digital divide and
revolutionize how people and industries connect globally.
Connected's innovative solutions are designed to enhance safety,
improve quality of life, and unleash new IoT-based business models.
For more information, visit www.connected.space.
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SOURCE EchoStar Corporation