Deutsche Telekom Expands IoT Leadership with Commercial Multi-Orbit NB-IoT Connectivity Across Satellite and Mobile Networks

symbolic image: multi-orbit IoT roaming © Quelle: gettyimages /Phynart Studio/ Kajdi Szabolcs/ 3DSculptor/ NicoElNino/ pixdeluxe/ Montage: Hendrik Riße

(IN BRIEF) Deutsche Telekom has become the first mobile network operator to offer multi-orbit IoT roaming, integrating terrestrial NB-IoT networks with both GEO and LEO satellite systems. The solution allows IoT devices to switch seamlessly between mobile and satellite connectivity, enhancing resilience and global coverage. Developed in partnership with Skylo, Sateliot, OQ Technology and soon Iridium, the platform has been validated using commercial hardware including Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module. Early Adopter projects demonstrate applications in critical infrastructure monitoring, maritime tracking and remote AI vision systems. By combining multiple orbital layers with terrestrial networks, Deutsche Telekom strengthens its position as a leader in global IoT connectivity and non-terrestrial network integration.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 13-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Deutsche Telekom has introduced a new multi-orbit roaming capability for Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, becoming the first mobile network operator worldwide to integrate terrestrial NB-IoT networks with both geostationary (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems. The solution enables IoT devices to transmit data seamlessly across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, depending on coverage conditions.

The system has been demonstrated using a commercial narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) device operating across GEO and LEO satellites in addition to traditional mobile infrastructure. By linking Deutsche Telekom’s global NB-IoT and LTE-M networks with satellite services from multiple partners, the company has created a unified roaming framework across different orbital layers.

Satellite connectivity is delivered through collaborations with Skylo, which provides GEO coverage, and Sateliot and OQ Technology, which supply LEO-based radio connectivity. Later in 2026, Deutsche Telekom also plans to make Iridium Communications’s NTN Direct service available to its business customers, further expanding its non-terrestrial network footprint.

According to Jens Olejak, Head of Satellite IoT at Deutsche Telekom IoT, the launch positions the company as a global leader in commercially and technically integrated multi-orbit IoT connectivity.

By combining GEO and LEO satellites, the system leverages the advantages of both. GEO satellites, positioned at approximately 36,000 kilometres above Earth, provide stable, continuous coverage. LEO satellites, orbiting much closer to the planet, offer lower latency and improved coverage in high-latitude or mountainous regions. Together with terrestrial networks, they create resilient and flexible connectivity for IoT deployments worldwide.

Early Adopter Program Driving Real-World Applications

Following an initial Early Adopter Program with Skylo in 2024, Deutsche Telekom launched a second prototyping initiative in 2025 focused on multi-orbit IoT solutions. The program brings together 15 companies and five research institutions, supported by partners including Sateliot, OQ Technology, Skylo, Nordic Semiconductor and KYOCERA AVX.

Several pilot projects demonstrate the practical value of hybrid connectivity:

Remote Asset Management: Spanish firm Datakorum uses integrated terrestrial and satellite connectivity to monitor and control critical infrastructure such as water, energy, and oil and gas systems in remote areas. LEO satellites provide a backup layer for mission-critical operations.

Maritime Tracking: Slovenian company EMA, under the BlueTraker brand, supports vessel monitoring for fishing and merchant fleets. Hybrid satellite and mobile connectivity ensures compliance with evolving EU maritime regulations, even for smaller vessels operating offshore.

Autonomous AI Vision Systems: French company MountAIn deploys edge-based AI sensors capable of detecting forest fires and industrial safety incidents in remote regions. Satellite NB-IoT ensures reliable transmission of alerts even where terrestrial coverage is unavailable.

Technical Validation on Standard Hardware

Multi-orbit connectivity has been validated using commercially available hardware. Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module, a 3GPP-compliant cellular IoT solution, supports terrestrial NB-IoT/LTE-M as well as NB-NTN over GEO and LEO satellites. Tests confirmed direct connections via Sateliot’s LEO satellites using a Deutsche Telekom SIM card, demonstrating seamless roaming between terrestrial and satellite networks.

Connectivity via Skylo’s GEO network is already operational for customers, while integration with OQ Technology has been validated. Iridium’s LEO-based service is undergoing final integration and is expected to become commercially available later this year.

To support satellite operations, devices must be compatible with 3GPP satellite frequency bands n249, n255 and n256. Compatible antenna solutions are already available from manufacturers such as KYOCERA AVX, allowing device makers to develop multi-orbit NB-IoT products using existing components.

Deutsche Telekom at MWC Barcelona from March 2 to 5, 2026

Panel discussion on multi-orbit IoT roaming:
Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00 p.m., live stream: mwc.telekom.com/2026

Stream press conference 
Live from Barcelona on March 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. under www.telekom.com/media

MWC Theme Special
You can find more information on the individual topics under www.telekom.com/mwc-special

Visit us – in Barcelona or online 
Experience our products and services live. From March 2 to 5, 2026, you will find Deutsche Telekom in hall 3 at booth 3M31. We look forward to seeing you. All events will be streamed live. Stage program and events: mwc.telekom.com/2026

About Deutsche Telekom: Deutsche Telekom at a glance

Media Contact:

Anne Geelen
Spokesperson

media@telekom.de
+49 228 181 49494

SOURCE: Deutsche Telekom