Lockheed Martin and French 4G technology provider Sequans Communications are working together to develop an LTE-to-satellite communications solution.
The goal of the partnership is to make it possible for LTE devices to network directly with satellites in geostationary orbit, Sequans said Tuesday.
Lockheed Martin developed an LTE-to-satellite specification while Sequans updated its LTE chips to take advantage of the communications standard.
Lockheed executive Scott Landis described LTE-to-satellite "an important breakthrough in mobility and connectivity."
Industry experts have cited satellite communications as an evolving and critical element of machine-to-machine and internet of things networks.