What Wireless Innovation does

Wireless Innovation is the UK-based parent entity operating the Ground Control satellite IoT and asset tracking business through two subsidiaries — Ground Control Technologies UK Ltd (UK) and Ground Control Systems (USA) — trading collectively as Ground Control. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Gloucester/Hampshire, UK with a regional office in Las Vegas, the company designs and manufactures proprietary satellite IoT hardware (the RockBLOCK modem family including 9603/9604/9704/Plus/RTU, RockFLEET vessel and vehicle trackers, RockREMOTE industrial gateways, RockSTAR messaging devices, and RockBLOCK APNT for GPS-denied positioning) and operates the Cloudloop platform for subscription, device, data, and map-based asset tracking management. Technology integrates multiple satellite networks (Iridium as a gold-tier partner since 2005, Inmarsat/Viasat as first Elevate partner, Starlink) with cellular (LTE, NB-IoT) and a private SCADA network via TSAT's SCADASat product.

The company serves a diversified set of verticals including utilities (SCADA and remote cabinet monitoring), maritime (vessel tracking and A-PNT), military and defense (GPS-denied navigation, covert paging), environmental monitoring (flood, tundra, glacier research), oil & gas, mining, renewables, aviation, and agriculture. Named customers include Green Stream Technologies (flood monitoring), beadedstream (Alaska ice road telemetry), and Cardiff University (Greenland Cryoegg glacier research). Revenue is generated through four streams: (1) proprietary and third-party hardware sales (Rock family plus Cobham, Hughes, Thales, Kymeta terminals), (2) recurring satellite airtime subscriptions across Iridium, Inmarsat/Viasat, and VSAT networks, (3) Cloudloop platform subscriptions, and (4) design, installation, and support services — pricing is quote-based, not publicly disclosed.

Ground Control became a subsidiary of CLS Group (a diversified satellite and tracking conglomerate) in 2017 and has expanded through acquisitions of Rock Seven and YB Tracking in October 2018. Wireless Innovation's leadership comprises CEO Alastair MacLeod, Founder and Research Director Scott Snyder, and CFO Stephen Smith. The firm is privately held with no disclosed funding rounds and headcount in the 11-50 SME range.

Name

Wireless Innovation

Legal name

Ground Control Technologies UK Ltd and Ground Control Systems trading as Ground Control

Website

https://wireless-innovation.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Wireless Innovation operates the Ground Control satellite IoT and asset tracking business, designing proprietary hardware (RockBLOCK, RockFLEET, RockREMOTE, RockSTAR) and the Cloudloop platform to deliver multi-network connectivity (Iridium, Viasat, Starlink) for utilities, maritime, defense, and environmental monitoring customers globally.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite IoT Devices

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (517410), Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing (334220)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Radio & Tv Broadcasting & Communications Equipment (3663)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite IoT & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Connectivity (LPWAN over Satellite) (HDAIAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Industrial/OT Private Connectivity (Factory, Mining, Ports) (HDAIAGAD), Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)

Keywords

• Satellite IoT
• M2M telemetry
• Asset tracking
• SCADA solutions
• Satellite airtime

Headquarters

HQ city

Gloucester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Satellite Airtime Services: Ground Control resells satellite airtime from Iridium, Viasat/Inmarsat, and Starlink networks. They offer diverse connectivity plans and tariffs as a gold-tier Iridium partner (since 2005) and first Inmarsat/Viasat Elevate partner. Revenue generated through recurring airtime subscriptions with data usage-based pricing.
2. IoT Hardware Sales: Sale of proprietary satellite IoT devices including RockBLOCK modems (9603, 9704, Plus, RTU), RockFLEET trackers, RockREMOTE gateways, RockSTAR messengers, and third-party terminals (Cobham Explorer, Hughes 9502, Thales VesseLINK). Hardware is manufactured in the UK and USA.
3. Cloudloop Platform Services: Subscription-based platform services for subscription management, device management, data formatting, and asset tracking. Revenue from platform licensing and management fees bundled with hardware and airtime packages.
4. Design & Installation Services: Professional services including system design, installation, and customer support for satellite IoT deployments across various industries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Wireless Innovation, operating as Ground Control, designs and manufactures satellite IoT hardware (RockBLOCK modems, RockFLEET trackers, RockSTAR messengers, RockREMOTE terminals, RockBLOCK APNT) and distributes third-party satellite terminals (Cobham, Hughes, Thales, Kymeta). The company also provides multi-network satellite airtime services as a gold-tier Iridium partner and first Viasat Elevate partner, plus the Cloudloop subscription/device/data management platform for M2M telemetry, asset tracking, and SCADA applications.

Product overview

Ground Control is a satellite IoT and asset tracking company offering a comprehensive portfolio of hardware devices, connectivity services, and cloud management platform. Their product architecture consists of: (1) Proprietary hardware devices including RockBLOCK satellite IoT modems (9603, 9604, 9704, Plus, APNT), RockFLEET vessel/vehicle trackers, RockSTAR satellite messengers, RockREMOTE industrial IoT terminals, and SCADASat utility systems; (2) Cellular IoT products (i-CELL, Cobham Explorer) for 2G/LTE connectivity; (3) Satellite communications devices including Thales VesseLINK, Kymeta u8 LEO, and Cobham Explorer terminals; (4) Cloudloop platform providing subscription management, device management, data handling, and asset tracking via map interface; (5) Airtime services through Iridium (gold-tier partner since 2005) and Inmarsat/Viasat (first Elevate partner). They design and manufacture satellite IoT and tracking devices in the UK and USA, supporting multiple satellite networks (Iridium, Viasat, Starlink, Inmarsat) and cellular standards (LTE, NB-IoT). The platform enables connection of sensors, backhauling of IoT gateway data, autonomous/unmanned system command, off-grid video surveillance, A-PNT navigation for GPS-denied environments, and data optimization for battery and cost management.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cloudloop: Satellite IoT management platform providing subscription, device and data management with API-first integration capabilities
• RockBLOCK
• RockFLEET
• RockREMOTE
• RockSTAR
• i-Cell
• SCADASat
• RockBLOCK RTU
• RockBLOCK APNT

Products and services

• RockBLOCK 9704 Satellite IoT device for developers featuring Iridium Certus 9704 module with onboard power regulation, USB-C/TTL-UART, and optional GNSS passthrough. Ships with open source C and Python SDKs plus Cloudloop Data integration for plug-and-play satellite communication.
• RockBLOCK RTU Compact, low power micro-data logger for off-grid sensor deployments. Captures and forwards sensor data to the cloud via Iridium SBD, NTN NB-IoT or cellular, integrating with the Cloudloop platform for real-time visibility and control.
• RockBLOCK 9603 Compact Iridium Short Burst Data module for turnkey satellite IoT connectivity. Features mature firmware, established global network, reliable low power messaging, used worldwide in data buoys, drones, and tracking systems.
• RockBLOCK Plus Waterproof and ruggedized version of RockBLOCK 9602 with 9-30v power input and RS-232 data link for sending and receiving short messages from anywhere on Earth with a clear view of the sky.
• RockBLOCK APNT Evaluation Kit Rugged self-contained satellite device using Iridium PNT signals for resilient positioning, navigation and timing in GPS-denied or spoofed environments, intended for development, integration, and field evaluation.
• RockFLEET Global tracking device for permanent use aboard marine vessels and land vehicles with optional LTE Narrowband cellular connectivity that automatically switches to Iridium satellite network when necessary for lowest-cost routing. Waterproof and ruggedized.
• RockFLEET Assured Marine-grade A-PNT system that compares GNSS position data with an independent position source based on Iridium PNT, providing vessel operators with visibility of position, integrity events and GNSS disruption for assured navigation.
• RockSTAR Two-way global satellite messenger and tracking system enabling sending and receiving short messages from anywhere on Earth with clear view of sky. Rugged design with up to 12 month battery life on single charge.
• RockSTAR Burst Ruggedized handheld satellite-enabled pager enabling reliable one-way message delivery anywhere globally in close to real-time with one-to-many global data broadcast service and secure message encryption for covert teams.
• RockREMOTE Rugged Waterproof, reliable remote IoT connectivity solution securely connecting remote assets using IP or message-based protocols via Iridium Satellite or LTE networks for fixed or mobile environments anywhere in the world.
• RockREMOTE Industrial IoT communications device combining RockREMOTE terminal, Iridium Certus network and LTE cellular connectivity with Cloudloop platform for fixed and mobile industrial communications challenges.
• SCADASat by TSAT Private satellite network system specifically designed for SCADA and utility industries, providing direct communication channel between process control centre and remote locations for critical infrastructure monitoring and control.
• i-Comm Secure Encrypted communications device linking assets via WiFi or LAN connection with full remote management, designed for utilities, IoT, retail, and applications where PSTN services are being withdrawn.
• I-CELL 1140 2G/LTE Cellular gateway with automatic seamless switching between 2G, 3G and LTE spectrum using eUICC technology, designed for applications where older generation networks are being sunset worldwide.
• I-CELL D-SUB 2G/LTE Smart cellular solution with automatic 2G to LTE switching using eUICC technology, working across utilities, vending, security, and energy management industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 12-month battery life on RockSTAR device
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

Yes

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• IridiumcoreTechnology or IntegrationGold-tier Iridium partner since 2005. Ground Control offers diverse Iridium connectivity plans including Iridium SBD (Short Burst Data), Iridium Certus 100, and Iridium GO! services. They integrate Iridium modules into their RockBLOCK, RockFLEET, RockREMOTE, and RockSTAR product lines. Their relationship is the company's longest-standing and most significant partnership.
• Viasat/InmarsatcoreTechnology or IntegrationFirst Inmarsat/Viasat Elevate partner. Ground Control offers Viasat IoT Pro (formerly BGAN M2M) and Go-anywhere Pro airtime plans. They distribute Viasat-compatible terminals including Cobham Explorer 540 and Hughes 9502. This partnership extends coverage capabilities beyond Iridium.
• TSAT (SCADASat)coreTechnology or IntegrationGround Control distributes the SCADASat by TSAT product, a private satellite network system designed specifically for SCADA and utility industry requirements. Provides direct communication channels between process control centers and remote locations.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights3 records

Direct peers

• Astrocast: Swiss-headquartered satellite IoT operator offering low-cost bidirectional IoT connectivity and modules (Astronautics/Astrocast chipset). Competes head-to-head with Ground Control in low-data M2M/IoT satellite terminals for asset tracking and industrial monitoring.
• Myriota: Australian direct-to-satellite IoT provider using nanosatellites for low-power remote sensing. Targets agriculture, utilities, and environmental monitoring — vertical segments and use cases that overlap with Ground Control's primary segments.
• Orbcomm: Long-established satellite M2M/IoT operator providing asset tracking, fleet management, and industrial IoT hardware and services. Overlaps directly with Ground Control across SCADA, asset tracking, and industrial telematics verticals.
• Swarm Technologies (SpaceX): Low-cost LEO satellite IoT network now owned by SpaceX, offering Swarm Tile modem and Swarm Eval Kit for low-bandwidth IoT. Directly comparable product offering and pricing model in the satellite IoT M2M space.

Others

• Telit Cinterion: Cellular IoT module and connectivity provider now under Telstra. Adjacent peer supplying the cellular IoT components and platforms that overlap with Ground Control's i-CELL and Iridium/LTE hybrid solutions, particularly relevant for 2G/3G-to-LTE migration.

Broad incumbents

• Thuraya (Yahsat Space Services): Regional satellite operator (MENA and Asia) providing mobile satellite voice/data and IoT services. Comparable in the portable satellite terminal space and as a partner/competitor in IoT connectivity for remote industrial sites.
• Iridium Communications: Owner of the Iridium satellite constellation that Ground Control builds upon. While Iridium operates the network and sells direct, its partner/reseller program positions it as both supplier and indirect competitor to Ground Control in IoT services.
• Globalstar: Satellite network operator offering SPOT consumer products and asset-tracking IoT services. Provides a competing satellite connectivity backbone and direct-to-customer tracking devices that overlap with Ground Control's offerings.

Emerging players

• Kepler Communications: LEO satellite operator providing IoT/asset-tracking relay services (Fleet Space integration) and developer-friendly APIs. Competes in the lower-bandwidth satellite IoT backhaul segment that overlaps Ground Control's M2M offerings.
• Sateliot: Spain-based 5G NB-IoT NTN satellite operator targeting massive IoT use cases (utilities, agriculture, logistics). Competes in the emerging NTN cellular IoT category where Ground Control already offers NTN NB-IoT via RockBLOCK RTU.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/wi_ltd
• GitHubgithub.com/groundcontrol
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/109909
• Facebookfacebook.com/Wireless-Innovation-Ltd-179211705540482

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A2 records

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Wireless Innovation