Optus Business, Myriota to bring IoT to remote Australia

Optus Business has signed an agreement with Australian nanosatellite start-up Myriota aimed at providing regional and remote connectivity for IoT devices and applications.

Under the agreement, the companies will combine Optus’s national networks and digital enablement capabilities with Myriota’s direct-to-orbit satellite connectivity technology to allow the delivery of large-scale, low-cost communications for IoT devices in remote Australian geographies.

Myriota’s low-power IoT modules are designed to securely transfer data directly to the cloud via a constellation of nanosatellites being provided by partner exactEarth.

The modules can be powered by a wide range of batteries and have a battery life that can measure in the years depending on the battery and application.

Potential applications include asset tracking, sensor monitoring, data logging and compression, event triggering and smart power management.

Myriota CEO and co-founder Dr Alex Grant said the partnership will also help stimulate the development of new applications for IoT devices across a wide variety of industries.

“Remote connectivity has long been the missing piece of the puzzle for IoT across industries like logistics and farming, and we are thrilled to partner with Optus Business to provide a comprehensive connectivity offering,” he said.

“Previously, satellite connectivity has not been available or affordable for businesses with remote assets, but nanosatellites are providing a more attainable and affordable solution. By combining Optus’s national networks with our nanosatellite capability, we are able to offer a truly holistic IoT solution and help solve connectivity issues being faced in regional Australia.”

Optus’s parent company, Singtel, through its venture capital arm Singtel Innov8, participated in Myriota’s US$15 million ($22.1 million) Series A funding round last year.

Image credit: ©everythingpossible/Dollar Photo Club

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