The News: Qualcomm announced its 212S and 9205S modems for IoT devices needing robust cellular and satellite connectivity in rural or off-the-grid areas. Read the press release for more information.
Qualcomm’s 212S & 9205S: Empowering IoT Tracking in Hard-to-Reach Areas
Analyst Take: Qualcomm launched its 212S and 9205S modem chipsets aimed at driving off-grid industrial use cases that require standalone non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity or hybrid connectivity alongside terrestrial networks. The new offerings are designed to enable IoT enterprises, developers, ODMs, and OEMs to harness real-time information and insights to manage business projects. Qualcomm Technologies is engaged with Skylo, an NTN service provider, to help enable and operate this new connectivity medium.
We continue to see organizations across all industries wanting to take advantage of what IoT can offer to help accelerate digital transformation within their businesses. According to The Futurum Group’s recent Digital Transformation Index, clearly, organizations are planning on using IoT as one of the key catalysts for their digital transformation strategies with the hopes of unlocking the data it generates to propel research and development, customer-centricity, and safety, among others.
As a result, Qualcomm’s introduction of the Qualcomm 212S and 9205S modems with satellite capabilities for IoT devices should be well-received by Qualcomm’s partners (developers, ODMs, OEMs, etc.) wanting to create devices that allow companies to track and monitor their devices and fleets more seamlessly, especially in hard-to-reach environments.
The Qualcomm 212S and 9205S offer ultra-low power coupled with complete and persistent connectivity across satellite and cellular networks. The Qualcomm 212S and 9205S comply with 3GPP Release 17 standards for satellite communications that target global connectivity along with an easier setup. The Qualcomm 212S and 9205S also support Qualcomm’s Aware Platform, which supports real-time asset tracking and device management in remote areas. From our view, these capabilities taken together assure that Qualcomm will play an integral role in accelerating satellite IoT adoption across the global IoT ecosystem.
The Qualcomm 212S chip is designed for more stationary IoT devices that are typically placed off the grid and require persistent, resilient connectivity. The device can last long periods of time in the field due to its low power consumption, allowing it to collect telemetry data across a variety of devices. The Qualcomm 212S modem is developed to deliver cost efficiency breakthroughs along with being designed to pick up telemetry data from key verticals that typically are associated with rugged areas such as mining installations, utility grid monitoring, and other areas.
The Qualcomm 9205S modem aims at allowing IoT devices to easily connect in remote environments that require cellular and satellite networks with comprehensive coverage. The Qualcomm 9205S modem incorporates Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for location data and is ideal for industrial applications that need always-on, hybrid terrestrial, and satellite connectivity. Key vertical markets where the 9205S modem will be needed are maritime environments for tracking shipping containers, agriculture for tracking equipment, and logistics for freight tracking.
Many organizations are embracing digital transformation in the pursuit of gaining more agility, intelligence, safety, and cost effectiveness. As evidenced by Futurum Group’s Digital Transformation Index, organizations plan on using IoT and big data as a linchpin for transforming their organizations regardless of location. The Qualcomm 212S and 9205S modems are optimal solutions for organizations that want to deploy and analyze telemetry data from devices and fleets they are tracking.
Disclosure: The Futurum Group is a research and advisory firm that engages or has engaged in research, analysis, and advisory services with many technology companies, including those mentioned in this article. The author does not hold any equity positions with any company mentioned in this article.
Analysis and opinions expressed herein are specific to the analyst individually and data and other information that might have been provided for validation, not those of The Futurum Group as a whole.
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Image Source: Qualcomm
Author Information
Ron is an experienced, customer-focused research expert and analyst, with over 20 years of experience in the digital and IT transformation markets, working with businesses to drive consistent revenue and sales growth.
Ron holds a Master of Arts in Public Policy from University of Nevada — Las Vegas and a Bachelor of Arts in political science/government from William and Mary.
