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Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

IoT connectivity for everywhere on earth

Altair is committed to providing connectivity even in places where there is no cellular network coverage. Our ALT1250 modem is compliant with 3GPP Release 17 NTN over NB-IoT and 3GPP Release 14 cellular over LTE-M and NB-IoT. By combining cellular and NTN coverage in the same modem, we help customers reduce costs while extending coverage.

Understanding Satellite Connectivity

Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) allow devices to connect to base stations on satellites, expanding connectivity far beyond terrestrial coverage areas. Key use cases for NTN include asset and logistics trackers, vehicle trackers, smart meters, agricultural monitoring, and other remote or static IoT applications that require ubiquitous global connectivity.

For asset tracking, vehicle trackers, and smart meter deployments, the ALT1250 provides an ideal solution by integrating NTN support with powerful location capabilities. The modem supports GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning as well as cellular-based location services, allowing devices to accurately determine their location and maintain continuous connectivity even in remote areas without terrestrial coverage.

terrestrial satellite connectivity

By integrating NTN directly into the ALT1250 cellular IoT modem, device makers can enable automatic switching between terrestrial and satellite connectivity. This ensures optimal coverage at all times, making the ALT1250 an ideal choice for deploying resilient asset tracking solutions and smart meters in remote locations.

Extended Coverage

Altair's integrated NTN support augments terrestrial cellular coverage by providing connectivity via satellites in areas that are underserved or have no existing terrestrial network. This enables truly global connectivity, especially in remote, maritime, and aerial environments.

Cost-Effective

By integrating NTN support into existing cellular IoT chips, Altair provides a more cost-effective way to enable global satellite connectivity, without requiring dedicated satellite hardware.

Increased Resilience

Altair's NTN integration enables devices to maintain seamless connectivity and service availability even when terrestrial networks are disrupted or unavailable due to disasters, outages, or coverage gaps, ensuring reliable communication for critical services including emergency response, public safety, and mission-critical operations.
non terrestrial network connectivity

Seamless Global Connectivity

The ALT1250 modem supports the latest 3GPP Release 17 standards for NTN using NB-IoT technology, as well as 3GPP Release 14 standards for terrestrial NB-IoT and LTE-M networks. It can connect to Geostationary (GEO) satellite constellations.

A key feature is the ability to automatically switch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial (satellite) networks, ensuring devices maintain connectivity seamlessly as they move between covered and uncovered areas.

The ALT1250 operates in the typical mobile device power class of 23dBm and is designed to work with existing low-power wide-area (LPWA) module hardware from various vendors.

It supports several frequency bands commonly used for satellite and terrestrial networks:

  • S-band: 2180–2200MHz DL, 2000–2020MHz UL
  • L-band: 1525–1559MHz DL, 1626.5–1660.5MHz UL
  • S-band: 2170–2200MHz DL, 1980–2010MHz UL

By integrating non-terrestrial connectivity into our cellular IoT chips, Altair provides truly global coverage without requiring new, dedicated satellite hardware.

Extending Connectivity to Underserved Areas

Altair’s NTN solution enables devices to seamlessly connect to satellite networks, ensuring service continuity in locations where traditional cellular infrastructure is infeasible or unavailable — including remote regions and maritime environments.

NTN also plays a crucial role in ensuring network resilience and enabling emergency communications during natural disasters or outages that disrupt terrestrial networks.