US satellite connectivity start-up Totum prepared an IoT device using a direct connection which it claimed customers can use to track assets inside buildings as well as out.
Totum worked with IoT radio developer Orca Systems to create a chipset comprising a miniature modem, RF transceiver, application processor and memory. The device uses a small omnidirectional antenna to connect to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites.
The company recently demonstrated indoor capabilities by transmitting and receiving signals from a San Diego office building, claiming it as the first time an IoT chip connected to a satellite from indoors.
Totum is targeting low-power, long range IoT connectivity devices, a space dominated by cellular technology and alternatives using unlicensed spectrum.
It claims a lack of intermediary equipment addresses cost challenges across satellite and mobile connectivity.
Totum predicts a $20 billion market opportunity from tracking and monitoring assets across industries including supply chain logistics, agriculture, transportation, and energy.
It explained in a statement it plans to sell the chipset and connectivity service as one: CCO Dave Gell added it received advance orders for 2 million connected devices from equipment makers and value-added resellers, among others.
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