You are here: / / smart agriculture

Tag Archive for: smart agriculture

Hungarian investment Axiom Space boosts Hungary’s role in LEO

Ernest Pozzoni — article author

(Image credit: Axiom Space)

Hungarian investment Axiom Space marks a step for Hungary’s role in commercial space and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) infrastructure. Hungarian company 4iG Space and Defence has signed an agreement to take a stake in Axiom Space, a United States-based firm developing one of the first commercial space stations while also operating crewed missions to the International Space Station.

4iG Space and Defence is a subsidiary of telecoms and IT group 4iG, and the deal represents the first time a Hungarian company becomes an equity partner in a major U.S. spaceflight operator. The move is being presented in Budapest as a landmark for the national space ecosystem, reinforcing closer technological and industrial ties between Hungary and the United States.

Axiom Space has been steadily building its profile as a commercial partner to national space agencies, flying private and governmental crews to the ISS and preparing modular elements for Axiom Station, planned to operate initially as an attached segment of the ISS before serving as a standalone platform in LEO. Such stations are expected to host research, manufacturing and in-orbit services that support sectors from Aviation and Telemedicine to Disaster Recovery and Smart Agriculture, through enhanced observation and resilient global connectivity.

For 4iG, the partnership aligns its telecommunications and IT experience with a growing interest in space-based infrastructure, positioning the company within future constellations of commercial stations, satellites and ground systems. The company’s leadership has framed the move as both a symbolic and practical signal that Hungarian industry intends to participate directly in the next wave of space commercialisation, rather than solely as a customer of foreign platforms.

Axiom Space said the agreement is the beginning of a long-term relationship with a European partner that brings industrial capabilities, regional networks and a commitment to building sustainable space services. Earlier this year, the company also carried the second Hungarian astronaut, Tibor Kapu, on a mission to the ISS, underscoring an existing operational link between the two parties. With Hungarian investment Axiom Space aims to broaden its international shareholder base and further deepen collaboration with Central and Eastern Europe in the evolving LEO economy.

Semtech Integrates Skylo Satellite Network into Cellular IoT Platform

Ernest Pozzoni — article author

(Image generated with DeepAI)


Semtech Corporation has announced the launch of a cellular–satellite Internet of Things (IoT) platform developed in partnership with Skylo Technologies. The integrated service combines terrestrial and satellite connectivity to provide a unified device-to-cloud solution that automatically switches between networks when IoT devices move beyond the range of cellular towers.

The platform allows users to deploy IoT devices globally under a single subscription and a single Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). It is designed to simplify network management for industries requiring uninterrupted data transmission, such as logistics, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure monitoring.

According to Skylo Technologies, Semtech is the first company to deliver Skylo-certified modules with integrated network access. The integration of Skylo’s satellite network directly into Semtech’s Smart Connectivity platform enables users to adopt non-terrestrial network (NTN) IoT services with the same operational simplicity as traditional cellular solutions.

The service uses Semtech’s HL7810 low-power wide-area (LPWA) module, which supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, and NTN connections. A second version, the HL7812, adds 2G fallback capability. Both modules connect to Semtech’s Smart Connectivity Premium SIM, providing access to more than 600 partner networks operating on 4G LTE, 5G, and Skylo’s satellite NTN.

The combined system enables IoT devices to maintain continuous communication even when crossing between terrestrial and satellite coverage zones. It is being evaluated by selected customers ahead of a planned general release in November 2025.

The initiative reflects a broader trend toward the convergence of terrestrial and satellite networks within the IoT sector, aimed at supporting worldwide coverage for asset tracking, agriculture, infrastructure, and other critical communications services.

Satellite Mobile Convergence Drives Global Connectivity

Ernest Pozzoni — article author

Image generated with DeepAI

The satellite industry is undergoing a transformative shift as mobile and satellite networks begin to converge, creating a path toward global connectivity that is broader, more resilient, and more inclusive. This satellite mobile convergence is not just a technological evolution—it’s a necessary step to address long-standing coverage gaps and meet the growing demands of both people and connected devices.

Over 100 partnerships between mobile operators and satellite providers now cover more than 70% of global mobile subscribers. These collaborations are enabling SMS, voice, and eventually broadband-level access in regions previously unreachable by terrestrial infrastructure—especially for sectors like Remote Work and Smart Agriculture, where consistent access is operationally critical.

One of the most promising developments is the rise of Direct-to-Device (D2D) services. By embedding satellite compatibility directly into consumer smartphones, emergency responders, travellers, and communities in remote areas gain access to reliable communications—even in the absence of terrestrial coverage. Global OEMs like Apple and Google are already integrating these capabilities, while regulatory bodies begin to adapt frameworks to support their deployment.

The potential of satellite IoT is equally significant. Satellite-enabled modules for agriculture, logistics, and energy infrastructure allow low-data IoT devices to transmit critical insights from anywhere on the planet. With up to 3 billion IoT devices expected to be addressable by satellite by 2030, the long-term value of satellite IoT connectivity is expected to generate billions in annual revenue.

Organisations like the GSMA and ESA are now focusing on standardising technology, streamlining interworking between terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, and enabling dynamic, multi-orbit service models. The industry is aligned around a common goal: to build interoperable, hybrid networks capable of delivering continuous, high-quality coverage regardless of geography.

As momentum builds, satellite mobile convergence is becoming a strategic priority—not just for telecoms, but for governments, humanitarian actors, and industries that rely on connectivity as a foundation for service delivery and economic resilience.

Nigeria Expands LEO Connectivity Through Satellite Partnership Strategy

Ernest Pozzoni — article author

Nigcomsat CEO Jane Nkechi Egerton-Idehen. Photo: Nigcomsat

Nigeria’s digital future is being reshaped by a new phase of satellite connectivity—driven by Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) technology and strategic collaboration. At the forefront stands Nigcomsat, the national satellite operator, now delivering OneWeb’s high-speed, low-latency connectivity to communities, enterprises, and public sector organisations.

This move signals more than a technological upgrade. It reflects a structural response to the longstanding limitations of terrestrial-only infrastructure. Remote and underserved areas, previously excluded from digital growth, now stand to benefit from services supporting healthcare, agriculture, education, and disaster response.

Nigcomsat’s hybrid strategy includes both upgrading its own Geostationary fleet and leveraging strategic partnerships. OneWeb’s LEO network complements this vision with immediate impact, offering resilience and flexibility. The aim: over 70% broadband penetration by 2027 and inclusive access for 80% of the Nigerian population.

This shift is not just about coverage—it’s about capability. As demands grow across sectors like smart agriculture and telemedicine, satellite’s role in reliable last-mile delivery becomes indispensable. Local integration, national sovereignty, and scalable infrastructure all depend on a robust multi-orbit approach.

In parallel, Nigeria is laying the foundation for future space sovereignty by preparing to replace its NIGCOMSAT-1R satellite and fostering local participation in the space economy. Yet, the immediate path lies in partnerships. Leveraging OneWeb allows for rapid rollout, while longer-term investments remain on the table.

By aligning satellite with national policy, digital security, and inclusive growth, Nigcomsat is no longer just a telecom provider—it is an architect of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

logo Link Communications Systems specialises in VSAT network design

Link Communications Systems is a London based telecommunications service provider and technology integrator that specialises in VSAT network design, integration and services in remote regions throughout the world. LCS provides Internet via Satellite, Private Networks, Maritime, Television broadcasting and other services.

Get Free Quote

Solutions

Support

Follow us…

© 2025 Link Communications Systems. All Rights Reserved | Privacy and cookies policy