OQ Technology

OQ Technology is a global satellite operator pioneering 5G Internet of Things (IoT) and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity through a constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Founded in 2016 by Omar Qaise, the company is headquartered in Luxembourg and aims to bridge the digital divide by providing seamless 5G coverage in remote and rural areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable. The company functions as a global satellite 5G IoT operator, providing uninterrupted cellular coverage for machines and assets anywhere on the planet.

The founder and CEO, Omar Qaise, has an extensive background in the satellite industry, having worked for the German Aerospace Center (DLR), the European Space Agency (ESA), and SES. This experience in both the technical and business aspects of satellite services inspired him to create OQ Technology, recognizing a market need for affordable narrowband IoT communication via smaller, more cost-effective satellites. He established the company as a solo founder with the vision of integrating 5G standards with satellite communication to connect industrial assets beyond the reach of traditional cell towers.

OQ Technology's core service provides 5G non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity that is compliant with 3GPP standards, allowing standard 5G smartphones and NB-IoT devices to connect directly to its satellites without requiring custom hardware. This approach enables interoperability with billions of existing cellular devices and significantly reduces deployment costs for customers. The company's satellite constellation functions as 'cell towers in the sky', extending reliable connectivity for a variety of applications. Key services include wellhead monitoring, asset tracking, drone controls, vehicle telematics, and emergency broadcast messaging. In July 2025, the company successfully transmitted the first-ever image over its 5G NTN IoT satellite network, a milestone that expands its capabilities to include visual surveillance for industries like energy, defense, and agriculture.

The company's business model involves partnering with global telecom operators to extend their coverage and selling services directly to enterprise customers in sectors such as energy, mining, logistics, maritime, and agriculture. OQ Technology has secured commercial contracts with major entities, including a significant agreement with one of the world's largest oil and gas companies to monitor their infrastructure. The company has steadily grown its satellite constellation, with 10 satellites in orbit and plans for further expansion. OQ Technology has successfully raised capital through multiple funding rounds, including a €13 million Series A in 2022 and is in the process of a Series B round backed by the European Innovation Council and the Luxembourg government.

Keywords: satellite 5G, IoT connectivity, direct-to-device, D2D, non-terrestrial network, NTN, LEO constellation, narrowband IoT, NB-IoT, 3GPP standards, remote area connectivity, machine-to-machine, M2M, asset tracking, oil and gas, agriculture technology, maritime communication, logistics, emergency services, satellite communication, SpaceTech, global connectivity, satellite operator, cubesats, 5G NTN