I’m thrilled to sit down with Vladislav Zaimov, a seasoned telecommunications specialist whose expertise in enterprise telecom and risk management of vulnerable networks has shaped innovative solutions across the industry. Today, we’re diving into a groundbreaking partnership between Telkomsat and Myriota, focusing on the expansion of satellite IoT connectivity in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Our conversation will explore the strategic vision behind this collaboration, the transformative potential of satellite-based IoT for critical sectors like maritime and agriculture, and the cutting-edge technologies driving connectivity in remote areas. Vladislav’s insights will shed light on how this alliance aims to build sustainable business models and address unique regional challenges.
How did this partnership between Telkomsat and Myriota come to life, and what was the atmosphere like during the signing of the memorandum of understanding in Jakarta?
The partnership between Telkomsat and Myriota was born out of a shared vision to revolutionize connectivity in Indonesia and beyond, particularly in areas where traditional networks fall short. I wasn’t in the room myself, but from what I understand, the signing in Jakarta last week was a moment of palpable excitement—there was a real sense of history being made as two forward-thinking companies aligned on a long-term mission. The memorandum of understanding wasn’t just a formality; it was the culmination of months of discussions about how satellite IoT could bridge critical gaps in the region. I’ve heard the room buzzed with optimism as leaders from both sides spoke about empowering remote communities and vital industries. For Telkomsat, the goal was clear: to become a major connectivity provider in Southeast Asia, while Myriota brought its specialized satellite tech to the table to make that vision a reality.
What inspired the focus on sectors like maritime, oil and gas, and agriculture in the ASEAN region, and how do you see satellite IoT transforming these industries?
These sectors were identified as focal points because they represent massive growth opportunities—each projected to reach a market value in the billions over the next five years—and they face unique connectivity challenges that satellite IoT is uniquely positioned to solve. In maritime, for instance, vessels often operate far beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, and real-time data on location or weather can be a literal lifesaver; I recall a case where delayed communication led to a costly detour for a shipping company I worked with years ago. Similarly, in oil and gas, remote rigs need constant monitoring for safety and efficiency, and agriculture in vast rural areas like Indonesia’s archipelago benefits immensely from IoT for precision farming. Satellite solutions can provide reliable, always-on connectivity to track assets, optimize operations, and even predict environmental risks. The transformation potential is huge—imagine farmers accessing data to boost yields under the scorching sun, or disaster monitoring systems alerting communities before a crisis strikes. Early feedback from similar deployments elsewhere suggests we’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.
Can you walk us through the innovative aspects of Myriota’s HyperPulse 5G NTN service and how it adapts to the unique demands of Indonesia’s diverse geography?
Myriota’s HyperPulse 5G NTN service is a game-changer, especially for a country like Indonesia with its sprawling archipelago and varied terrain. What’s fascinating is how it leverages Viasat’s L-band network with dynamic leasing capabilities to adjust performance metrics like latency and data availability based on real-time needs or environmental conditions—think of it as a smart system that recalibrates itself whether you’re in a dense urban hub or a remote island. For example, during peak demand in a coastal area prone to storms, it can prioritize data flow for disaster alerts over less urgent traffic. This adaptability is crucial in remote regions where traditional networks can’t reach, ensuring consistent connectivity no matter the location. I’ve seen firsthand how frustrating spotty connections can be in critical moments, so a technology that bends to the user’s context feels like a breath of fresh air. While specific metrics from Indonesia aren’t public yet, the underlying tech promises to redefine what’s possible for IoT in challenging environments.
How does this collaboration enhance Telkomsat’s position in the Southeast Asian market, and what are some of the practical steps being taken to integrate these new technologies?
This partnership significantly bolsters Telkomsat’s standing as a leading connectivity provider in Southeast Asia by expanding their multi-orbit portfolio with Myriota’s cutting-edge satellite services. It’s not just about adding a new tool to the kit; it’s about reaching underserved areas and industries that have long struggled with reliable communication, which in turn builds trust and market share. Practically speaking, integration involves aligning Myriota’s satellite IoT tech with Telkomsat’s existing infrastructure—a complex dance of testing compatibility, training teams, and ensuring seamless data flow across systems. I remember a similar project I was part of where we hit a snag with mismatched protocols; it took late-night brainstorming sessions under flickering office lights to resolve, but the satisfaction of seeing the first successful connection was worth it. They’re likely mapping out pilot projects in key sectors right now, tweaking as they go, to ensure the tech doesn’t just work but excels in real-world conditions across the region.
What excites you most about Myriota’s UltraLite service, and can you paint a picture of a real-world scenario where it could make a significant impact?
UltraLite is incredibly promising because it prioritizes energy efficiency, security, and spectrum efficiency, which are critical for the tough IoT use cases we see in Indonesia. I’m particularly excited about its potential in remote environmental monitoring—think of sensors scattered across dense jungles or volcanic regions to track deforestation or seismic activity. Imagine a small, solar-powered device using UltraLite, sipping just enough power to send secure data bursts about soil conditions or early quake tremors, all while lasting years without maintenance; it’s the kind of tech that feels almost invisible yet lifesaving. In a scenario like this, a conservation team could get alerts on their rugged laptops while trekking through humid, muddy terrain, enabling rapid response to illegal logging. From my experience with network deployments, solutions like these often face initial skepticism, but once the data starts flowing—uninterrupted and secure—the impact speaks for itself. Though specific feedback from Indonesia isn’t widely shared yet, the design alone suggests it’ll handle the harshest conditions with ease.
How are Telkomsat and Myriota working to build a sustainable business model and foster technology localization in Indonesia?
Sustainability is at the heart of this partnership, and it starts with crafting a business model that prioritizes long-term value over quick wins. They’re focusing on building a robust customer base by targeting high-impact industries and accelerating market entry through joint marketing and pilot programs—think tailored solutions pitched directly to maritime fleets or farming cooperatives. Technology localization is equally key; it involves adapting solutions to Indonesia’s unique needs and fostering local expertise, perhaps by training technicians or partnering with regional universities to build capacity. I recall a project in another region where localizing tech turned doubters into advocates—there’s something powerful about seeing your own community master a global innovation. They’re also likely working on ecosystems that encourage local startups to develop complementary IoT apps. While exact metrics aren’t public, the intent to blend global tech with local know-how is a strong signal of progress, and I can almost feel the pride in boardrooms as these plans take shape.
What’s your forecast for the future of satellite IoT in Indonesia, especially with partnerships like this paving the way?
I’m incredibly optimistic about the trajectory of satellite IoT in Indonesia, especially with alliances like Telkomsat and Myriota leading the charge. Over the next five to ten years, I foresee satellite IoT becoming the backbone of connectivity in remote and rural areas, knitting together industries like agriculture and disaster management in ways we can barely imagine today. The market potential—already pegged in the billions for key sectors—will likely explode as more tailored, scalable solutions emerge, and as trust in these technologies grows among local stakeholders. I believe we’ll see stories of transformation, like isolated villages gaining access to real-time market data for their crops, fundamentally shifting economic landscapes. There will be challenges, of course—regulatory hurdles or integration hiccups—but the momentum here feels unstoppable. My gut tells me we’re on the cusp of a connectivity revolution in the archipelago, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds.
