By Raj Gadre
IoT over non-terrestrial networks (NTN) is going through a radical change with the consolidation of satellite operators in GEO and the rise of LEO constellations. 3GPP approved L&S band spectrum for NTN Narrowband (NB) IoT is limited, and coupled with the desire of regulators to free up captive spectrum, there is a need for a more efficient management of narrowband spectrum. In this month’s blog we will discuss more about the implications of this trend with respect to Service Integrators offering NB Industrial IoT (IIOT).
NB IIoT is classified as “High Volume/Low Data” connections—meaning a network with many devices transmitting small amounts of data over limited spectrum. Traditionally, Service Integrators aiming to offer Private NB IIoT over Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), such as satellites, face challenges with the high costs of leasing satellite spectrum, especially in the 3GPP-approved L and S bands, making the business case impractical.
To avoid these high satellite spectrum leasing costs, most NTN NB IIoT Service Integrators resell Managed Services available from satellite operators. However, this comes with limitations: Managed Services often lock Service Integrators into specific user terminals, fixed Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and preset data packages. As a result, user experience relies more on the quality of the Managed Service than on the Service Integrator’s unique offerings. Differentiation becomes difficult when Service Integrators are limited to reselling existing Managed Services rather than creating customized solutions with Private Networks. In some countries, government regulations may not even allow a Managed Service if the gateway (teleport) is not in-country, and a Private Network with a sovereign in-country gateway may be the only solution.
Innovations by RBC Signals for NTN NB IIoT Service Integrators
What if Service Integrators had cost-effective access to licensed satellite spectrum in the 3GPP-approved L and S bands for NTN NB IIoT? RBC Signals now offers Fractional Channel Subleasing and Dynamic Spectrum Leasing to give Service Integrators greater flexibility to build their own private NTN NB IIoT networks and stand out in a competitive market.
Fractional Channel Subleasing: Cost-Efficient Spectrum Access
For Service Integrators needing 24/7 access to low data rates (few kbps), leasing an entire 200 kHz channel is often unnecessary and costly. With Fractional Channel Subleasing, Service Integrators can lease just the spectrum they need—for example, 60 kHz—saving on costs by paying only for a fractional channel instead of full 200kHz, while still ensuring dedicated, around-the-clock access.
Dynamic Spectrum Leasing: Pay for What You Use
For many NTN NB IIoT applications, devices do not require 24/7 “always-on” access to satellite spectrum. For instance, sensor or location data that needs to be reported periodically (e.g. hourly or daily) only need brief, scheduled connections. Dynamic Spectrum Leasing enables Service Integrators to lease licensed satellite spectrum based on the specific usage pattern of their applications. For instance, a Service Integrator running an agricultural IoT network may only need satellite spectrum for 5 minutes each hour. With RBC Signals’ STORM (Spectrum Trade Orchestration and Resource Management) platform, integrated via APIs with leading satellite operators like Viasat (Inmarsat), Service Integrators can access the right spectrum at the right time. This enables cost-efficient, Private NB IIoT networks based on a dynamic allocation of spectrum.
Empowering Service Integrators to Lead in Innovation
RBC Signals is committed to empowering Service Integrators to differentiate themselves in the growing NTN NB IIoT market—enabling them to go beyond reselling Managed Services. With Fractional Channel Subleasing and Dynamic Spectrum Leasing, Service Integrators can access cost-effective, licensed satellite spectrum to create Private Networks with custom SLAs, specialized IoT terminals, and a user experience tailored to their customers’ unique requirements.
Contact RBC Signals today to explore how Fractional Channel Subleasing and Dynamic Spectrum Leasing can support your innovations in NTN NB IIoT.