From Cell Towers to Skylo: Connecting IoT Over Satellite with Cellular Radios

Using Broadcast TV to Deliver Multicast Data Streams for IoT Applications

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060870/fan_mail/new] Host Ryan Carlson talks with Conrad Clemson, CEO of EdgeBeam Wireless [https://edgebeam.com/], about using broadcast TV (ATSC) signals to deliver large downstream data payloads as efficient multicast—sending one transmission to reach many endpoints—while using 4G/5G with a Soracom eSIM for control, acknowledgments, retransmits, and security. Conrad contrasts broadcast tower coverage and capital efficiency with cellular’s dense tower topology, emphasizing applications where many devices need the same content: digital signage fleets, software/map updates for cars, video distribution, LLM/model updates, and RTK GPS correction data for higher-precision navigation. Use of dual-radio M.2-style card presents as standard IP to host devices, supports common internet protocols, and can provide an “air-gapped” path for secure environments. The episode also covers scale economics (per-endpoint transmission cost approaching zero), flat-rate outcome-based pricing, and why Soracom’s cloud-native, carrier-grade platform helps EdgeBeam launch faster. 00:00 EdgeBeam Wireless Interview with Conrad Clemson 00:27 Broadcast Connectivity Intro 01:33 Why Broadcast Beats Towers 03:15 Multicast for Massive Updates 04:44 Smart Signs and Kiosks 08:08 Hybrid Device Two Radios 09:59 Security and Air Gapping 12:03 Bandwidth and Scale Math 15:09 Costs BOM and Car TCO 18:30 Business Model Outcomes 19:39 Sell Outcomes Not Savings 20:55 Multicast Hardware Onboarding 21:53 Flat Rate Pricing Model 24:33 New Signage Content Plays 26:38 Edge Computing Meets Multicast 28:24 Best Fit Use Cases 29:40 Enhanced GPS Corrections 32:16 Why Soracom Partnership 35:59 Wrap Up And Next Steps

RTLS at Scale: Bluetooth, Multi-Tech Asset Tracking, and Cellular Deployments

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060870/fan_mail/new] RTLS at Scale: Lamplight Logistics on Bluetooth, Multi-Tech Asset Tracking, and Cellular Deployments Ryan interviews Kurt Nehrenz, CEO and co-founder of Lamplight Logistics, about RTLS (real time location systems) for tracking assets, people, or machines across outdoor GNSS and centimeter-accurate indoor environments. Kurt explains that Bluetooth’s widespread adoption has reduced tag costs enough to track tens of thousands to millions of assets, including single-use stickers, while UWB, 5G, and AI/ML make large-scale data practical. Lamplight takes a software-first, “no silver bullet” approach, choosing among RFID, Bluetooth, UWB, and cameras based on accuracy, update frequency, and asset value, then unifying data streams into business outcomes. Automotive returnable containers are highlighted as a key use case to prevent loss and diagnose supply-chain bottlenecks. Success depends on integrating into systems like SAP/ERP, iterative discovery with stakeholders, and cellular “plug-and-play” gateways via Soracom for simpler deployment, predictable cost, security controls, and remote debugging; Cassia Bluetooth gateways enable long range, remote management, and tag commands like blinking for identification. 00:00 Meet Lamplight CEO 00:34 RTLS Explained Fast 01:38 Why RTLS Scales Now 03:14 Choosing the Right Tech 05:29 Cameras and Validation 06:36 Software First Strategy 07:18 Automotive Returnables ROI 09:53 Beyond Dashboards to ERP 12:17 Discovery and Iteration 16:57 Cellular as Deployment Hack 18:55 Bluetooth Gateways at Scale 20:46 Remote Debug and Find My 23:36 Soracom Trust and APIs 25:10 Locking Down Connectivity 27:50 Wrap Up and Contact Info 29:26 No More Dark Spots

From Cell Towers to Skylo: Connecting IoT Over Satellite with Cellular Radios

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060870/fan_mail/new] In this episode of 'What to Expect When You're Connecting,' host Ryan Carlson chats with Satender Yadav from Skylo, the Director of Global Sales Engineering. They discuss the intricacies and advancements in non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite technology, which enables seamless connectivity for IoT devices no matter their location. Satender explains the challenges of connecting products and services to satellites, the ease of transitioning from cellular to satellite networks using Skylo’s modules, and the flexibility offered by Skylo’s solutions. The episode also explores use cases such as asset tracking in remote areas, cold chain management, and lone worker safety. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of efficient data protocols and power management in optimizing IoT device performance on satellite networks. Satender also shares personal anecdotes about working closely with Soracom, emphasizing the collaborative spirit in advancing IoT connectivity. The episode serves as an insightful guide for IoT professionals looking to enhance their devices' global connectivity. 00:00 From Cell Towers to Skylo: Connecting IoT Over Satellite with Cellular Radios 00:32 Introduction to Skylo and NTN Satellite 01:29 Simplifying Satellite Connectivity 02:40 Latency and Speed in Satellite Networks 05:18 Availability of Satellite-Compatible Modules 09:07 Use Cases for Satellite Connectivity 13:32 Asset Tracking and Cold Chain Management 22:43 Technical Considerations for Satellite IoT 24:20  Challenges with TCP/IP in NB-IoT 24:54 Introduction to Soracom Beam 26:08 Experimenting with Data Transmission 28:10 Power Efficiency in IoT Devices 30:50 Switching Between Cellular and Satellite Networks 32:20 Innovations and Use Cases in IoT 38:56 Simplifying Network Connectivity 44:17 Q: What is Soracom to you?

The ERP of IoT: How Senzary Turns Data Into Action

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060870/fan_mail/new] In this episode of What to Expect When You’re Connecting, host Ryan Carlson sits down with Eric Schummer, CEO and founder of Senzary, to explore how modern IoT deployments go beyond prototypes and buzzwords to deliver real business value at scale. Eric shares how Senzary is helping enterprises overcome the technical and organizational barriers that stall digital transformation—by delivering plug-and-play wireless sensing, seamless protocol translation, and a flexible IoT operating system designed to unify OT and IT workflows. From predictive maintenance and legacy machine integrations to air quality monitoring and leak detection, we unpack how Senzary’s "IoTLOGIQ" platform serves everyone from Fortune 500 factories to municipal water systems. You’ll also hear from Marlena Nickel, a former customer turned team member, who explains why scalable solutions win out over one-off “connected widgets.” Plus, we talk about how Soracom plays a critical role as a trusted connectivity layer—keeping the data flowing securely and reliably, so Senzary’s customers can focus on results, not reboots. 00:00 The ERP of IoT: How Senzary Turns Data Into Action 01:29 The Origins of Senzary 02:20 Challenges in IoT Implementation 06:04 Bridging IT and OT in Enterprises 08:38 Mobile Gateways and Wireless Solutions 12:30 Predictive Maintenance and Use Cases 13:49 Customer Engagement and Solution Flexibility 15:46 The Role of IT in IoT Projects 17:34 Specialized Solutions and Industry Applications 30:47 The Vision for an IoT Operating System 46:50 Partnership with Soracom 51:53 Vendor Relationships and Customer Support 54:48 The Importance of Flexibility and Partnership 55:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 56:29 What is Soracom to You?

Approaching Agriculture Inventory Monitoring by Combining IoT and AI

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2060870/fan_mail/new] In this episode of What To Expect When You're Connecting, host Ryan Carlson speaks with Nathan Hoel, Co-founder and CTO of BinSentry, a company in the smart agricultural technology market. They discuss the challenges of ensuring reliable connectivity for IoT devices in rural areas, the importance of customer-centric solutions, and the hurdles BinSentry faced with different IoT connectivity technologies. Key topics include BinSentry's use of time-of-flight sensors for accurate feed inventory in silos, dealing with microfretting in SIM cards, and the impact that a flexible and reliable IoT connectivity partner has on reliability, support, and the impact on cost savings. Nathan shares insights on maintaining focus as a start-up and the significant impact of precise billing models on their business operations. 00:00 Audio Podcast- Full Episode 00:33 Challenges in Animal Feed Management 01:02 BinSentry's Technological Solutions 03:00 Customer-Centric Approach 06:23 Processing the Data of Taking Measurements 09:42 AI and Image Processing 11:45 The AI Training Process 15:44 Inventory Management and Business Impact 18:48 Staying Focused on the Mission and Avoiding Scope Creep 19:55 How saying no is the key to maintaining focus and a winning market strategy 26:29 Digging into Technical Topics for Product Development 26:51 Connectivity and Radio Selection 32:10 Reliability Lessons Learned 32:43 The Vampire Issue: Solar Panel Problems 34:07 Importance of Carrier Relationships in Rural Areas 36:28 Soracom's Proactive Problem-Solving 40:18 Temperature Challenges and Industrial SIM Cards 46:56 Billing Model Innovations with Soracom 59:09 Final Thoughts and Reflections 01:00:08 What is Soracom to You?