Deutsche Telekom has announced it is the first mobile network operator to provide Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity using both geostationary (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The company’s new multi-orbit roaming solution allows IoT devices to transmit data seamlessly across terrestrial mobile networks and satellite connections, depending on availability.
The technology was demonstrated with a commercial NB-IoT device operating over GEO and LEO satellites as well as traditional terrestrial networks. Deutsche Telekom’s global IoT network, which supports NB-IoT and LTE-M, now integrates with satellite services from several partners. Skylo provides GEO coverage, while Sateliot and OQ Technology deliver radio connectivity via LEO satellites.
“This establishes Deutsche Telekom as the leading global network operator offering IoT connectivity across multiple satellite orbits, both technically and commercially,” said Jens Olejak, Head of Satellite IoT at Deutsche Telekom IoT.
Later in 2026, Iridium’s NTN Direct service will also be available for Deutsche Telekom business customers seeking IoT applications. Iridium’s LEO constellation is recognized for its reliability and global reach, further expanding the company’s non-terrestrial roaming options.
Multi-orbit technology combines advantages of different satellite types. GEO satellites maintain fixed positions about 36,000 kilometers above Earth, allowing continuous coverage and stable real-time connections. LEO satellites move quickly but can offer better coverage in high-latitude or mountainous areas as well as lower latency and higher data rates. Together, they enable reliable IoT communication even in remote locations.
Deutsche Telekom began its Early Adopter Program with Skylo in 2024 before launching a second prototyping initiative for Satellite IoT in 2025. This Multi-Orbit Early Adopter Program aims to develop solutions that combine terrestrial mobile and satellite connectivity using both GEO and LEO technologies. It includes participation from 15 companies and five research institutions along with partners such as Sateliot, OQ Technology, Skylo, Nordic Semiconductor, and KYOCERA AVX.
Several projects illustrate potential uses of multi-orbit roaming:
– Spanish firm Datakorum is using this technology for remote management of critical infrastructure like water or energy systems where no mobile coverage exists. Their product integrates both terrestrial and non-terrestrial radio technologies based on Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module.
– Slovenian company EMA offers maritime tracking under the BlueTraker brand using hybrid satellite-mobile connectivity to comply with new EU regulations requiring vessel monitoring systems even on small boats.
– French company MountAIn developed an autonomous AI vision sensor that processes image data onsite to detect events such as forest fires or industrial incidents; NB-IoT satellite links ensure alerts are sent even from isolated regions.
Technical validation showed that Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module could connect directly through Sateliot’s LEO satellites using a Deutsche Telekom SIM card—demonstrating successful roaming between terrestrial networks and LEO satellites. Customer operations are already underway via Skylo’s GEO network; integration with OQ Technology (LEO) has been validated during partner activities; Iridium (LEO) integration is ongoing.
For these solutions to work over both GEO and LEO satellites using NB-NTN technology, antennas must support specific frequency bands: n249, n255, and n256. Manufacturers like KYOCERA AVX already supply suitable antenna components for building new multi-orbit NB-IoT devices.
From March 2 to 5, 2026, Deutsche Telekom plans to showcase these innovations at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
