Kepler and Iristel Partner for M2M Services
Next generation nano-satellites and terrestrial wireless and wireline networks will seamlessly connect for advanced M2M infrastructure
TORONTO, March 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Kepler Communications, Canada's pioneering nano-satellite company, announces a partnership with Iristel Inc. in building collaborative M2M services (machine-to-machine) linking satellites with terrestrial wire and wireless networks.
M2M connectivity will begin with Iristel's Canada-wide network and its subsidiary Ice Wireless, a regional mobile operator in Canada's North, and soon add Kepler's nano-satellites where ground infrastructure is not available. The first two Kepler nano-satellites – about the size of a loaf of bread – are scheduled for launch this November.
"This will be the shortest and fastest path for mission critical applications related to shipping and logistics, pipeline and exploration industries to name a few," says Samer Bishay, CEO of both Iristel and Ice.
Adds Kepler CEO Mina Mitry: "This partnership means we can begin to deploy pilot services immediately prior to our satellite constellation being in full operation. At the end of the day, how data move is largely irrelevant to customers, and we very much see satellites as complementary to terrestrial telecom. We're excited to work with another company with the same vision on how the two systems can work together."
Iristel is Canada's fastest-growing carrier, providing voice-over IP (VOIP) and GSM services. The partnership will give customers a seamless transition between GSM and satellite networks without the need to obtain additional hardware for their IoT (Internet of Things) applications.
"Customers will be able to use the same smart devices when inside Iristel's coverage region, and then seamlessly transition to a satellite network when working remote," Bishay says. "The ability to produce single multi-purpose smart devices gives us better economies of scale and can help reduce the cost of devices, which is a main impediment towards true en masse M2M deployments."
Beyond speed, the LEO (low earth orbit) nano-satellites also significantly reduce latency – or satellite echo – from hundreds of milliseconds to only 45 milliseconds. "That's a significant benefit for mission-critical M2M applications," Bishay says.
About Kepler Communications
Kepler Communications is a satellite communications company that is building an in-space telecommunications network for space-borne assets. This infrastructure will resolve the problem of intermittent connectivity for non-geostationary satellites, will open new business opportunities that necessitate real-time connectivity to satellites, and will reduce reliance on costly and difficult to deploy ground infrastructure. To reach this long-term objective, tangible shorter-term milestones are planned in order to incrementally and sustainably develop the technology to execute on this vision.
About Iristel
Iristel is Canada's fastest-growing carrier providing innovative communication services that are changing how consumers and businesses communicate. Founded in 1999, Markham-based Iristel operates Canada's largest facilities-based local voice network extending Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast as well as Ice Wireless, a GSM carrier with operations in Canada's Far North.
SOURCE Kepler Communications
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