Tele2 vowed to close coverage gaps in IoT services with the launch of a satellite-based direct-to-device (D2D) product using Skylo Technologies’ non-terrestrial network (NTN).

The operator stated its Global Satellite IoT Connectivity service puts it in pole position among its Swedish peers in terms of launching a system based on 3GPP standards.

Tele2 stated IoT devices automatically switch between terrestrial and satellite networks without additional hardware. It predicts benefits in terms of reducing downtime and increasing business insights.

Stefan Trampus, EVP of B2B at Tele2, said the partnership with Skylo Technologies enabled it to remove “the final coverage gaps” for IoT customers and is an “important step” in an ambition to provide global connectivity.

Tele2 is pitching the service as suitable for agriculture, logistics, energy and maritime uses.

Simon Glassman, senior manager of EMEA business development at Skylo Technologies, said the NTN set-up would enable Tele2 to deliver “new business models” along with the insights needed to develop fresh use cases.

Skylo Technologies employs a constellation of geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites to provide D2D services on its own NTN virtual RAN, with SoftBank Group and Intel Capital among its backers.

Its coverage stands at 60 million square kms across 36 countries on five continents.