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Highlights
- EchoStar Mobile partners with Connected to launch Connected One, a portable IoT solution for off-grid communication.
- Connected One transforms smartphones into satellite-enabled devices, ensuring reliable connectivity in remote areas.
- The collaboration promises enhanced safety features, including emergency alerts and real-time location tracking for users.
EchoStar Mobile, a frontrunner in satellite communications, has partnered with Connected, an innovative startup focused on providing universal narrowband connectivity from space. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize off-grid communication, introducing Connected One—an advanced IoT solution that leverages EchoStar's satellite technology to close connectivity gaps in remote and underserved regions.
Under a three-year agreement, EchoStar Mobile will supply its cutting-edge EM2050 modules to Connected. This integration significantly enhances Connected's product offerings by incorporating direct-to-device satellite communications. As a result, users can enjoy increased reliability and reduced dependence on extensive ground infrastructure, particularly in the most remote areas serviced by EchoStar's geostationary satellite network.
Connected One, aptly dubbed the "Ultimate Safety Companion," is designed to transform communication and safety in areas where traditional ground networks are absent. This compact, portable device allows users to turn any smartphone into a satellite-enabled communication tool. Whether staying in touch with loved ones or requesting emergency assistance, users can maintain connectivity regardless of their location—without the need for expensive handsets or complicated 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 of 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."
The EM2050 modules, utilizing LoRa® technology and operating over the licensed S-band spectrum, are central to Connected One's functionality. By harnessing 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, allowing for real-time, interference-free communication and location tracking, thus enhancing user safety and peace of mind in remote locales.
"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 packed with features designed to boost safety and connectivity in challenging environments. Users can activate emergency alerts with a single button press, sending their location to designated contacts. The device pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth, enabling custom satellite messaging when cellular networks are unavailable. Additionally, it updates users' locations every thirty minutes on interactive maps through the 'One Companion' app. Future plans include expanding U.S. coverage and introducing bi-directional messaging for seamless SMS replies.
The partnership between Connected and EchoStar Mobile marks a significant advancement in off-grid communication solutions. By merging Connected's IoT capabilities with EchoStar's satellite technology, this collaboration promises to redefine personal connectivity in remote areas. Together, they aim to ensure that safety and reliable communication become universally accessible, breaking down traditional barriers and establishing new industry standards for connectivity.
