Skylo Technologies has certified Sony’s Altair ALT1250 chipset for its satellite network. The certification enables seamless support for both cellular and native satellite connectivity in devices without manual switching. Sony’s Altair ALT1250 chipset, meeting Skylo’s high standards, opens up opportunities for remote tracking, IoT devices, wearables, and global communication solutions. The integration of this chipset with Skylo’s network accelerates the deployment of satellite-connected IoT solutions across industries such as fleet management, logistics, and agriculture.

Skylo Technologies, the pioneer in satellite network connectivity, today announces the certification of Sony Semiconductor Israel’s (Sony) ALT1250 chipset as part of the Skylo Certification Program.

All devices incorporating the chipset will seamlessly support both cellular and native satellite connectivity without requiring the user to manually switch between the two. Connectivity plans and devices are available through a Skylo mobile service provider partner.

Sony’s Altair ALT1250 has passed rigorous testing and evaluation, proving its capability to meet Skylo’s high standards for connectivity, power efficiency, and reliability. Now, devices equipped with the ALT1250 chipset can operate on Skylo’s satellite network, providing endless opportunities for remote tracking and sensing, IoT devices, wearables, and global communication solutions.

“We are excited to have Sony’s Altair ALT1250 achieve certification under Skylo’s program. This certification milestone will simplify module and end-device onboarding to Skylo’s enabled NTN,” said Dima Feldman, VP Product Management and Marketing at Sony Semiconductor Israel. “Our OneSKU technology now includes satellite communication and opens up a myriad of possibilities for innovation providing connectivity in multiple countries around the globe, both in urban and remote areas.”

Skylo’s Certification Program empowers manufacturers and developers by endorsing chipsets and devices that are fully compatible with its satellite-based communication platform. By doing so, Skylo is fostering a vast ecosystem of connected devices that can operate anywhere in the world. The integration of Sony’s Altair ALT1250 chipset with Skylo’s network will accelerate the deployment of satellite-connected IoT solutions globally, enabling data-driven decision-making across a host of industries including fleet management, logistics, agriculture, and beyond.

“This achievement under the Skylo Certification Program is no small feat. Sony’s Altair had to pass rigorous testing to ensure reliability, efficiency, and seamless integration for efficient operations over Skylo’s satellite network,” said Prasanna Iyengar, Sr. Director of Product Management for Skylo.

“It marks a significant milestone in IoT and wearables connectivity, enabling manufacturers to effortlessly incorporate NTN connectivity into their devices without the need for additional hardware modifications. This ensures that NTN is not just a feature but the foundation of ubiquitous connectivity.”

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Semtech Corporation, a high-performance semiconductor, IoT systems, and connectivity service provider, today announced the integration of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) support into its HL series LPWA modules, specifically the HL7810 and HL7812.

This significant advancement showcases a major leap forward in enabling uninterrupted global connectivity even amidst the most challenging conditions.

Connectivity is crucial for ensuring safety and driving business success. Semtech’s LPWA HL78 modules, now upgraded with NTN support via a straightforward software update, enable devices to maintain dependable global connectivity through satellite networks, supporting continuous connection even in the most isolated regions.

Semtech has partnered with Skylo, a pioneer in offering satellite over cellular services, to integrate NTN capabilities into its HL series modules. As a result of this collaboration, Semtech’s upcoming software update, slated for commercial release in Q2 and pending testing and certification on Skylo’s network, will provide access to Skylo’s expansive network. This strategic partnership is a testament to Semtech’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity options, enabling devices equipped with HL78 modules to maintain reliable communication links, even in the most remote areas.

Providing customers with the option to connect using NB-IoT over a satellite network when traditional terrestrial coverage fails, not only enhances the reliability of global communication but also greatly minimizes waste and loss. This is especially crucial for sectors like shipping and emergency management. The ability to maintain continuous coverage, particularly in applications like container tracking, addresses the challenges posed by the limitations of conventional cellular networks, marking a significant advancement in enabling consistent connectivity.

Michael Buonassisi, Director Product Management LPWA modules at Semtech, stated:

“By incorporating NTN support into our HL78 modules via a straightforward software update, we are enhancing the capabilities of our existing products, providing our customers with a substantial competitive edge.”

“This initiative demonstrates our dedication to innovation and our proactive approach to addressing the market’s evolving needs.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Semtech to bring the power of Non-Terrestrial Networks to the HL series modules. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to bridge the connectivity gap, providing reliable, global communication solutions that meet the needs of today’s digital world. Together with Semtech, we are setting a new standard for connectivity, ensuring that no device is left unconnected, no matter where it is located on the globe,” said Dr. Andrew Nuttal, CTO and Co-Founder of Skylo.

In addition to supporting satellite, the highly versatile HL78 modules can also support terrestrial LPWA networks using Cat-M and NB-IoT. By pairing with AirVantage® Smart Connectivity, customers can take advantage of one global SIM as well as a single point of access to both device and SIM lifecycle management. This compatibility underscores Semtech’s commitment to providing comprehensive connectivity solutions, from device to cloud, that cater to a wide range of customer needs.

“As the communication industry evolves towards more integrated and versatile solutions, Semtech continues to lead the way, driving innovation and delivering technologies that connect the world,” added Nicolas Damour, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at Semtech.

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Starnote will enable unparalleled affordability, accessibility, and reliability with no monthly usage fees or minimums.

Blues, a leader in IIoT technology enabling global connectivity solutions, today announced it is partnering with Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) service operator Skylo Technologies to launch Starnote—an add-on extension to its flagship product Notecard.

Starnote will enable satellite connectivity for Blues’ customers through a streamlined cost model and unparalleled developer accessibility.  

Starnote provides customers with a cost-efficient, reliable module that serves as a backup satellite connectivity option should a customer’s device go beyond the reach of cellular coverage, allowing for ongoing connectivity regardless of the device or location. The extension connects seamlessly to a customer’s already installed Notecard, providing automatic satellite fallback to devices whose primary connectivity is LTE Cat-M, LTE Cat-1, NB-IoT, GPRS, or even Wi-Fi.  

“For developers and enterprises everywhere, satellite connectivity is now a viable option. Starnote is breaking new ground by providing continuous satellite coverage with low data usage costs and no monthly usage fees or minimums. Historically, high pricing and high monthly minimums have kept satellite coverage out of consideration for low-cost, high-volume products. By partnering with Skylo, Blues will fundamentally change the landscape, setting the stage for remarkable growth,” said Ray Ozzie, Founder & CEO of Blues.

“Starnote is so affordable and easy to use that any developer can now develop fixed or mobile solutions for monitoring and remote control without worry about coverage in remote areas. By using the Notecard’s simple API, customer data will automatically transit on the best and least expensive technology available at that moment: Wi-Fi, cellular, or satellite.”  

Today’s global cellular networks are fundamentally designed for high availability ‘where the people are;’ infrastructure investments are made based on population density. This has resulted in challenges for businesses requiring cloud connectivity in remote areas, including smart agriculture, marine telematics, rail, global logistics and shipping, construction, oil and gas, and more. Until now, extremely high satellite connectivity costs have given enterprises no choice but to build and manage their own remote networks, backhauling their data using a broad mix of long-range radio technologies. 

Building upon the novel business model pioneered by Blues’ cellular Notecard product, Starnote is revolutionizing satellite IoT by making it accessible, affordable, and by eliminating monthly fees. With Starnote, customers won’t pay any satellite-related charges when a device is inactive or when it happens to be operating in an area with ample cellular coverage. This eliminates the need for businesses to invest in labor or systems to monitor when devices become active or go inactive, as has traditionally been required for cost-saving purposes. Additionally, each Starnote module is bundled with enough pre-paid data for a year or more, depending upon the application: just power it on, and it works. 

“Skylo is honored to partner with Blues to expand intuitive and affordable satellite connectivity,” said Tarun Gupta, Chief Product Officer and Co-Founder at Skylo Technologies.

“By incorporating satellite data into its regular IoT devices, Blues is able to bring an unprecedented amount of innovation into the IoT ecosystem.”

Blues was attracted to partner with Skylo Technologies because of its proven ability to enable IIoT devices to connect directly over existing satellite constellations having continuous and contiguous coverage. Skylo is among the few NTN connectivity providers to operate on a “connect and send anytime” basis using Geostationary Equatorial Orbit (GEO) constellations, in contrast to the “schedule-and-send when the satellite is overhead” approach employed by carriers utilizing sparse Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. This “send anytime” approach allows for immediate time-sensitive alerts required when monitoring critical infrastructure or the environment. 

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CES – Quectel Wireless Solutions, a global IoT solutions provider, is pleased to announce the successful certification of Quectel’s NTN-enabled module, the CC660D-LS, for use on the network by Skylo, the leading non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider.

The module is the first to be certified by Skylo for use on its network and enables seamless and reliable IoT-NTN connectivity for any standard device that incorporates the module and has a view of the sky.

Quectel has developed the CC660D-LS module specifically to provide dependable and efficient, two-way, satellite communication capabilities. With the module’s certification on the Skylo network, businesses and organizations can harness the power of Skylo’s ubiquitous satellite connectivity to enable IoT applications in remote and challenging environments, ensuring that data is transmitted securely and reliably.

The CC660D-LS module provides a range of flexible connectivity options, encompassing L-band, S-band, and Band 23 connections. Notably, this module is equipped to support 3GPP Release 17 IoT non-terrestrial network (IoT-NTN) connections, reflecting its advanced capabilities. Prioritizing reliable connectivity, the CC660D-LS module excels in facilitating two-way communication. Furthermore, the module extends its support to both IP and Non-IP service networks. This dual capability ensures not only enhanced connectivity but also heightened service availability. The CC660D-LS module stands as a comprehensive solution for robust and versatile connectivity needs.

“We are delighted that Skylo has certified our NTN Satellite Communication Module for its network,” said Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “This certification reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality satellite communication solutions to our customers worldwide. By collaborating with Skylo, we enable businesses to unlock new opportunities and achieve their IoT goals, regardless of where they are located.”

The Skylo certification process involved rigorous testing and evaluation to ensure that the CC660D-LS module meets stringent quality and performance standards, including 3GPP Release-17 standards and Skylo’s Standards Plus qualifications. Skylo’s network is designed to provide global coverage, ensuring that IoT devices equipped with Quectel’s module can stay connected in areas with limited terrestrial infrastructure.

“We are excited to welcome Quectel’s CC660D-LS module to our ecosystem of certified devices,” said Dr Andrew Nuttall, CTO and Co-Founder of Skylo. “This certification is a testament to our commitment to providing the most reliable and expansive satellite based IoT connectivity. By partnering with industry leaders like Quectel, we empower device manufacturers of all types to expand their IoT applications, add additional review streams, and deliver a superior customer experience that requires no change in user behavior.”

Quectel’s CC660D-LS module is suitable for a wide range of applications, including asset tracking, fleet management, agriculture, maritime, and more. The module’s compact design and low-power consumption make it an ideal choice for battery-powered IoT devices that require long-term, uninterrupted connectivity.

Quectel’s IoT modules are developed with security at the core. From product architecture to firmware/software development, Quectel incorporates leading industry practices and standards, mitigating potential vulnerabilities with third party independent test houses and have incorporated security practices like generating SBOMs and VEX files as well as performing firmware binary analysis into the entire software development lifecycle.

IoT developers now can streamline their development process by combining Quectel modules with Quectel’s antennas and pre-certification services, effectively reducing both costs and time-to-market for their IoT devices. For the CC660D-LS satellite module, Quectel offers the YECN028AA and YFCA011AA antennas, providing developers with versatile options to enhance connectivity and expedite the deployment of their innovative solutions.

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