First launch in sight for OQ Technology

Luxembourg-based start-up OQ Technology, which specializes in connectivity for the Internet of Things, has announced an agreement with Spaceflight to launch its first nanosatellite no earlier than June.

“This mission represents an important step for us. This will be the first step in extending 5G cellular coverage beyond terrestrial cell towers. What sets OQ Technology apart is its combination of cellular and satellite technologies, providing coverage in poorly connected areas with a low cost solution that can match existing but expensive M2M and VSAT satellite products, ”explained the CEO. from OQ Technology, Omar Qaise.

Following an in-orbit technology demonstration mission in 2019, the new mission, Tiger-2, will be OQ Technology's first commercial satellite in a planned constellation of more than 60 satellites, intended to provide the world's first pole 5G coverage network. a hub in the world dedicated to massive machine-to-machine (M2M) and IoT communications.

No other satellite company, the statement said, today offers direct-to-user cellular IoT communication using the same 5G chips in mobile phones without any modifications, and low-cost LEO nanosatellite infrastructure.

25% growth per year for at least five years

The company, which Emirati Mohammed Al Muhairi joined in 2019, plans to target the IoT cellular communication market, oil and gas, marine, industry 4.0 and transportation segments, autonomous cars and drones, for surveillance, control and tracking of assets in remote areas. Its 5G IoT constellation provides unique value for low latency applications essential for 5G as the satellites are in low earth orbit and provide communication at milliseconds latency, which traditional GEO satellite operators cannot do.

According to Omdia, the installed base of IoT satellite connections is expected to nearly quadruple over the next few years, from 2.7 million units in 2019 to 10.3 million units in 2025, an annual growth rate average of 25%. Revenue from this market is expected to more than double over the same period, with global IoT satellite connectivity activity reaching $ 544 million in 2025, from $ 233 million in 2019.

For the Iraqi entrepreneur based in Luxembourg, it is important to move quickly because other players dream of positioning themselves in this market as quickly as possible. Like the Swiss from Astrocast, who have already launched part of their constellation of 90 nanosatellites. Or like ELO, the constellation of Eutelsat with Sigfox, which is expected to have 25 operational satellites by the end of next year.