Soracom now provides IoT connectivity to Electron-to-Go location-based phone chargers

IoT specialist Soracom Inc. announced today that Electron-to-Go has selected it to provide cellular connectivity for its portable mobile charging solutions.

The Electron vending machine-style mobile charging devices are used by universities, co-working spaces, hospitals, outdoor events and festivals, and shopping mall, among other high-trafficked areas, to provide charging solutions without tethering users to a traditional charging station. Customers can charge mobile devices without the hassle of managing charging cords and relying on hard-to-find wall outlets.

Portable solution uses Soracom’s cellular IoT connectivity and security to charge mobile devices without tethering users to a traditional charging station

Electron chargers, deployed in scalable clusters called Supernovas, are autonomous, requiring no external maintenance. Users simply register their phone numbers to receive an SMS code to start using the portable charging stations. The lifecycle and viability of each Electron charger is monitored and controlled from a central server, making reliable IoT connectivity essential.

Electron-to-Go initially attempted to launch the Supernovas using local Wi-Fi connections, Soracom said, but found it difficult to maintain consistent connectivity, particularly in locations where IT departments are concerned about security. To scale its operations to additional public locations, Electron-to-Go determined cellular was a better option.

Soracom’s IoT connectivity solutions are used by developers, SMBs and SMEs worldwide to help simplify IoT development, secure devices and accelerate time to market.

According to Soracom, Electron-to-Go selected its cellular connectivity technology because of its flexible pricing model, security features and robust customer support.

 “Our goal was to create mobile charging solutions that were completely autonomous, but we knew we were stepping into unknown territory,” Electron-to-Go founder and chief executive said Nasim Muabbat.

Soracom also offers connectivity options that span multiple carriers and connectivity protocols, allowing Electron-to-Go to deploy its charging stations virtually anywhere in the world.

Electron-to-Go currently has Supernovas in more than 200 locations in the U.S, UK, Japan and Australia.

“Soracom was founded to help innovators like Electron-to-Go fulfill their vision for new connected experiences," said Soracom cofounder and CTO Kenta Yasukawa.

Founded in 2015 and based in Seattle, Soracom serves more than 20,000 startups, SMBs and global enterprises across all industries.