Figure 1 | Creative5 hybrid IoT smart forestry monitoring nodes deployed in forest areas at National Ilan University (NIU), Taiwan. The system integrates NTN satellite connectivity with terrestrial networks, LoRaWAN, and BLE Mesh, combined with solar power and ultra-low-power design to enable long-term, reliable environmental sensing in remote and infrastructure-limited forest environments.
Creative5 and Viasat Pioneer Smart Forestry Monitoring through Hybrid Satellite IoT at CES 2026
Following a successful smart forestry demonstration with Taiwan’s National Ilan University, this new solution integrates NTN satellite connectivity and terrestrial networks to deliver ultra-low-power monitoring in remote environments.
This solution has already enabled NIU to proactively monitor for forest fire smoke, along with temperature, humidity, and soil conditions: supporting Taiwan’s first ‘cross-disciplinary smart agro-forestry education and research base’ over nearly 200 hectares using satellite connectivity, UAVs, and data analytics using artificial intelligence.
LAS VEGAS – January 6, 2026 – Creative5, a provider of hybrid satellite-to-ground IoT connectivity solutions, today announced a collaboration with Viasat to showcase a field-tested smart forestry monitoring system prototype. The solution, which addresses critical connectivity gaps in remote regions, will be demonstrated at CES 2026.
The collaboration tackles long-standing barriers to global IoT adoption, specifically in areas with limited infrastructure and constrained power availability. By integrating Viasat’s Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) satellite capabilities with terrestrial cellular networks, LoRaWAN, BLE Mesh, and private network architectures, the system allows devices to intelligently switch between connectivity paths for maximum reliability.
Field-Tested in Taiwan
The technology is currently deployed in the Smart Forestry Monitoring Program at National Ilan University (NIU) in Taiwan5. In this infrastructure-limited environment, the system utilizes solar power and an ultra-low-power design to enable long-term sensing without the need for frequent maintenance.
Key capabilities validated by the NIU deployment include:
• Continuous Environmental Sensing: Real-time monitoring of forest health and microclimate conditions.
• Disaster Prevention: Early warning systems for wildfire risk indicators.
• Resilient Connectivity: Reliable data transmission regardless of terrestrial network blind spots.
“The true value of hybrid IoT lies not in any single network, but in enabling multiple networks to work together in real-world environments,” said Ming-Tsung Chen, CEO of Creative5.“By integrating NTN satellite connectivity with terrestrial networks and ultra-low-power system design, we have demonstrated that IoT systems can operate reliably even in the most challenging locations, with long-term deplorability.”
Andy Kessler, Vice President, Enterprise at Viasat said: “This solution highlights the critical role satellite communications can play in supporting sustainability, efficiency, and safety with far-reaching benefits. With ecosystem partners like Creative5, we are excited to bringing reliable, resilient NB-NTN technology to support hybrid IoT applications wherever they can make a difference.”
For more information about this solution, please visit: https://www.viasat.com/perspectives/enterprise/2026/connecting-taiwans-forests-through-ntn/
Visit Us at CES 2026
Creative5 will showcase this reference model—applicable to environmental monitoring, public safety, and energy infrastructure—at the CES North Hall.
• Date: January 6–9, 2026
• Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, North Hall, Booth #10877
About Creative5
Creative5 delivers hybrid satellite-to-ground IoT connectivity solutions designed for remote, energy-constrained, and mission-critical environments. By integrating satellite communications, terrestrial networks, and intelligent device orchestration, Creative5 enables reliable, scalable IoT deployments across industries including environmental monitoring, energy, agriculture, and public safety.
About Viasat
Viasat is a global communications company that believes everyone and everything in the world can be connected. With offices in 24 countries around the world, our mission shapes how consumers, businesses, governments and militaries around the world communicate and connect. Viasat is developing the ultimate global communications network to power high-quality, reliable, secure, affordable, fast connections to positively impact people’s lives anywhere they are — on the ground, in the air or at sea — while building a sustainable future in space. In May 2023, Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat, combining the teams, technologies and resources of the two companies to create a new global communications partner. Learn more at www.viasat.com, the Viasat News Room or follow us on Facebook, Bluesky Instagram, LinkedIn, X or YouTube.
Media Contacts
Viasat Richard Jones, Public Relations, Tel: +44 7843 819 611, Email: richard.jones@viasat.com
Creative5 Jennifer Chang, CMO, Email: jennifer@creative5.io,