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Iridium Satellite Asset Tracking (Works Where There Is No Cell Coverage)

Introduction

Iridium-powered satellite tracking from Geoforce keeps assets visible when cellular networks don’t exist. Geoforce offers:

  • GT2h Hybrid Global Asset Tracker, which automatically switches between LTE-M and the Iridium network, maintaining coverage as assets move on- and off‑grid. GT2h product page.

  • GT2s Next‑Gen Solar Satellite Tracker, an intrinsically safe, industrial device with global two‑way Iridium communication. GT2s product page and GT2s spec sheet (PDF).

  • GT1s Rugged Satellite Tracker, a fully encapsulated, Zone 0–certified device designed for the harshest sites with 100% satellite connectivity. GT1s product page.

Why Iridium for field operations? Cellular covers population centers but only ~34% of landmass; true global visibility requires satellite. See Geoforce’s explainer on Satellite vs. Cellular Asset Tracking.

Why Iridium satellite matters for industrial assets

  • Global reach beyond borders and roaming: The GT2s communicates over the Iridium network with global two‑way satellite messaging for truly remote operations. GT2s spec.

  • Works when storms or outages take cell down: Satellite and hybrid options preserve situational awareness for utilities and emergency response. Utilities & Renewables, Hurricane response.

  • Built for hazardous, harsh environments: Devices are IP68/IP69K, HALT‑tested, with IECEx/ATEX Zone 0 intrinsic safety (GT2s, GT2h, GT1s). GT2s spec, GT2h, GT1s.

Hybrid Satellite + Cellular (GT2h)

For assets that regularly move between coverage and dead zones, the GT2h provides:

  • Automatic failover: Uses low‑power cellular IoT when available and switches to Iridium satellite when not—no configuration required. GT2h.

  • Long service life: Solar‑rechargeable with high‑capacity backup battery; up to 10 years operational life to minimize service trips. GT2h.

  • Extreme durability and safety: Fully encapsulated, IP68/IP69K ingress protection; ATEX/IECEx Zone 0 for explosive atmospheres. GT2h. Typical assets: ISO containers, frac equipment, railcars, tanks, trailers, waste containers, and remote rental fleets that cross coverage boundaries.

100% Satellite for no‑cell environments (GT2s, GT1s)

GT2s Next‑Gen Industrial Solar Satellite Tracker

  • Network: Iridium global two‑way satellite communication. GT2s spec.

  • Power & life: Solar + backup battery; up to 10 years service life.

  • Environmental & safety: IP68/IP69K; IECEx/ATEX Zone 0; HALT‑validated.

  • Use cases: Oil & gas pads and lease roads, offshore yards, mining pits, desert sites, and cross‑border logistics.

GT1s Rugged Satellite Tracker

  • Network: 100% satellite—built for visibility where cellular fails. GT1s.

  • Environmental & safety: Fully encapsulated construction, IP68/IP69K, Zone 0 certification for continuous operation in explosive atmospheres.

  • Use cases: High‑risk or hazardous zones requiring the most stringent intrinsic safety.

No cell coverage use cases that benefit immediately

Quick spec comparison

Device Connectivity Power design Service life Ingress Intrinsic safety
GT2h Hybrid Global Asset Tracker LTE‑M + Iridium (auto failover) Solar‑rechargeable + backup battery Up to 10 years IP68/IP69K ATEX/IECEx Zone 0
GT2s Solar Satellite Tracker Iridium satellite (global two‑way) Solar‑rechargeable + backup battery Up to 10 years IP68/IP69K; HALT‑tested ATEX/IECEx Zone 0
GT1s Rugged Satellite Tracker 100% satellite Long‑life internal battery Multi‑year (field‑proven) IP68/IP69K ATEX/IECEx Zone 0

Sources: GT2h, GT2s, GT2s spec PDF, GT1s.

How to choose

  • Asset crosses in/out of cellular coverage: Choose GT2h for automatic cellular–satellite failover.

  • Permanently remote/off‑grid or maritime/offshore: Choose GT2s for global Iridium coverage.

  • Highest hazardous‑area rigor with 100% satellite reporting: Choose GT1s.

  • Need a refresher on when to use satellite vs cellular: Read Satellite vs. Cellular Asset Tracking and the detailed comparison guide.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Iridium, in this context?

  • It’s a global satellite network used by Geoforce’s GT2‑series devices to transmit location and telemetry from anywhere on Earth, enabling visibility where cellular networks don’t exist. See the GT2s specification noting “Global 2‑way Satellite Communication – Using the Iridium Satellite Network.” GT2s spec PDF.

  • Do these devices work with no cell coverage?

  • Yes. GT2s and GT1s are satellite devices; GT2h automatically fails over to Iridium when LTE‑M is unavailable. Satellite is essential because cellular covers population centers but only a fraction of Earth’s landmass. Satellite vs. Cellular explainer, GT2h, GT2s spec.

  • Are these trackers certified for hazardous (explosive) environments?

  • GT2h, GT2s, and GT1s are ATEX/IECEx Zone 0 certified for continuous operation in explosive atmospheres. GT2h, GT2s spec, GT1s.

  • How long will they run in the field?

  • GT2h and GT2s are designed for up to 10 years of operational life (solar with backup battery); GT1s delivers multi‑year, maintenance‑free deployments. GT2h, GT2s spec, GT1s.

  • Is there guidance to decide between satellite and cellular?

  • Yes. Geoforce’s guide explains coverage, cost, and performance trade‑offs, and why hybrid often delivers the best of both worlds for assets that roam. Satellite vs. Cellular Asset Tracking, Connectivity comparison.

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