DT Launches First Multi-Orbit IoT Roaming

Deutsche Telekom is the world’s first mobile network operator to enable multi-orbit roaming for IoT. The new solution ensures that IoT devices can transmit their data anywhere, either via terrestrial mobile networks or via satellite, depending on the situation.

Multi-orbit roaming has now been demonstrated using a commercial NB-IoT device that operates across geostationary (GEO) and low earth orbit (LEO) satellites as well as terrestrial networks. The solution connects DT’s global IoT network (NB-IoT and LTE-M) with satellite services from several partners: Skylo, being DT’s first satellite service provider, provides coverage in geostationary orbit, while Sateliot and OQ Technology handle radio connectivity to LEO satellites. Additionally, in the second half of 2026, Iridium’s NTN Direct will become available to DT's business customers for IoT applications.

Multi-orbit combines the strengths of different satellite types. Due to their fixed position at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers, GEO satellites allow continuous coverage and enable real-time, stable connections. LEO satellites, on the other hand, move quickly but can provide better coverage at high latitudes and in mountainous regions, as well as enabling lower latency and higher data rates. Together, GEO and LEO create reliable IoT connectivity even in the most remote regions.