In 2023, Soracom and Skylo formed a partnership to provide customers developing IoT solutions and M2M devices with access to Skylo's direct-to-device 3GPP NTN connectivity and Soracom's virtualized cellular platform. After a successful Private Beta, the service is now available in a Limited Preview and can be activated by qualified customers through Soracom.
Skylo's satellite NTN enables chipsets, modems, modules, and devices designed for terrestrial networks to connect via existing satellites using the global 3GPP Release 17 standard. Devices in North America, Europe, and Oceania with 3GPP R.17-capable LPWAN modules can now use Soracom's Subscription Containers feature to add the Skylo-based satellite connectivity plan, known as "planNT1," over the air to Soracom's "plan01s" and "plan-US" IoT SIM cards.
While NTN typically involves higher latency and base data costs compared to cellular, Soracom's platform services help customers minimize data transmission over the satellite link while integrating with their preferred cloud services. This strategy enhances coverage, including satellite failover, while managing billing and connectivity through the Soracom portal.
"Soracom is committed to an Internet of Things without limits, where anything can connect to any cloud from anywhere," said Kenta Yasukawa, CTO and co-founder of Soracom. "Now, customers can add Skylo's breakthrough 3GPP NTN coverage to their devices while still taking full advantage of Soracom's CMP and platform to control their connections, cloud integrations, and data use."
"We are very happy to expand our partnership with Soracom as we move beyond our Private Beta," said Parth Trivedi, CEO and co-founder of Skylo. "Deep platform integration, seamless switching between NTN and cellular, and the ability to add NTN gives Soracom customers the ability to unlock the full potential of IoT at any time, regardless of their location or infrastructure constraints, enabling real-time data access, monitoring, and control in areas not currently served by cellular connectivity."
Speaking at Discovery, Blues Inc. CEO and Founder Ray Ozzie highlighted the benefits of the Soracom/Skylo integration: "Blues simplifies wireless communication so that our customers can transform physical products into intelligent services. Key to our approach is supporting all major Radio Access Technologies. The ability to connect via satellite where cellular is not an option while allowing customers to maintain control and minimize data overhead promises to help Blues build a safer, more intelligent connected world."
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