Mobile satellite services operator Thuraya has joined the LoRa Alliance as part of plans to combine LPWAN technology and long-range satellite connectivity for IoT applications.
Thuraya end-users will be able to implement LoRaWAN technology over Thuraya's network for IoT, M2M and industrial applications.
Thuraya M2M product manager Marwan Joudeh said joining the alliance aligns with the company's efforts to improve its presence in the M2M and IoT segments.
“Membership gives us access to an excellent ecosystem of developers and solution providers. This way of working will encourage the mass adoption of low cost, long range IoT/machine-to-machine connectivity while extending the range of such solutions through our robust satellite network into remote and rural areas,” he said.
“This is a key advantage for applications covering the energy and utilities, logistics, agriculture and security sectors.”
The LoRaWAN standard is designed to offer interoperability and security for network operators deploying open networks running multiple applications, as well as private networks.
IDC has projected that the global IoT market will grow to $7.1 trillion by 2020, up from $1.9 trillion in 2013.
Thuraya launched a dedicated M2M service earlier this year across its coverage area, as well as over North America in partnership with ViaSat.