Soracom takes Skylo satellite integration to initial service roll-out stage | Computer Weekly (2024)

News

Global provider of advanced IoT connectivity announces that qualified customers can now use its CMP to activate and manage 3GPP non-terrestrial networks

In the latest example of how satellite communications are becoming integrated with internet of things (IoT) and mobile communications networks, Soracom has announced its integration with non-terrestrial network (NTN) service operatorSkylo has progressed from Private Beta status to a global initial service roll-out to select customers.

TheSkylo Technologies portfolioaims to offer a service that allows cellular modems and devices to connect directly over existing satellites. Devices connected over satellite are managed and served by Skylo’s commercial NTN vRAN, featuring a3GPP standards-based cloud-native base station and core.

Its direct-to-device service is now live across four continents, with more than 50 million square kilometres of coverage, in partnership with multiple satellite operators, mobile network operators (MNOs), Tier-1 chipset makers and original equipment manufacturers.

NTN typically comes with higher latency and base data cost compared with cellular. However, Soracom assures that its platform services let customers minimise the amount of data transmitted and handshake over the satellite link while maintaining integration with their cloud service of choice. This approach is claimed to maximise coverage, including satellite failover, while also integrating billing and connectivity management using the Soracom connectivity management portal.

A year ago, Soracomand Skylo Technologies announced they were embarking on a strategic partnership. At the time, the companies said the combination of NTN-based NB-IoTconnectivity and cloud-based IoT network management represents the next generation of IoT connectivity: highly available, highly affordable, ubiquitous and deeply integrated with the hyperscale cloud platforms that serve as the backbone of the current IoT industry.

The collaboration was set up to guarantee those building IoT services and machine-to-machine (M2M) devices access to Skylo’s NTN direct-to-device connectivity based on the 3GPP communications standard, along with the capability of Soracom’s fully virtualised cellular platform, which is said to provide fullmobile virtual network operatorcapability paired with powerful connectivity management tools.

Following a successful private beta period, that service is now available commercially in limited preview, and can be activated directly by qualified customers in consultation with Soracom.

Read more about satellite communications

  • Starlink, Comcast collaborate to expand enterprise managed connectivity: Network giant’s broadband, wireless provider inks deal to claim to be first major network provider to team up with Elon Musk-led satellite communications company to offer enterprise customers services for improved network redundancy.
  • Sateliot signs Exolaunch deal for satellite launch and deployment services: Launch mission management, integration and satellite deployment services provider gains contract to support Spanish low Earth orbit 5G NB-IoT constellation platform.
  • Intelsat and CNH sow seeds of smart farming satellite connectivity: Firms partner to deliver field-ready connectivity in hard-to-reach locations to support precision agriculture applications, starting with deployment in Brazil.
  • Wireless Logic enters Starlink orbit for IoT deployments: Global internet of things connectivity platform provider joins forces with satellite broadband constellation to offer fully managed service combining cellular and satellite connectivity to expand options for IoT and enterprises worldwide.

Such customers will now be able to activate Skylo connectivity on their Soracom SIMs/eSIMs and enable their devices to switch seamlessly between cellular and NTN. Specifically, customers with devices located in North America, Europe and Oceania that include 3GPP R.17-capable LPWAN modules can now use Soracom’s Subscription Containers feature to add the Skylo-based satellite connectivity plan (planNT1) over the air to Soracom plan01s and plan-US IoT SIM cards.

“Soracom is committed to an internet of things without limits, where anything can connect to any cloud from anywhere,” said Kenta Yasukawa, Soracom chief technology officer and co-founder. “Now, customers can add Skylo’s breakthrough 3GPP NTN coverage to their devices while still taking full advantage of Soracom’s CMP [connectivity management platform] and platform to control their connections, cloud integrations and data use.”

Skylo CEO and co-founder Parth Trivedi added: “We are very happy to expand our partnership with Soracom as we move beyond our Private Beta. 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.”

Read more on Internet of Things (IoT)

  • Global 5G non-terrestrial networks show growth but stay in infancyBy: JoeO’Halloran
  • Global cellular IoT connections to grow by three billion in next four yearsBy: JoeO’Halloran
  • BT launches smart city NB-IoT offerBy: JoeO’Halloran
  • 5G, IoT roaming traffic soars in 2023By: JoeO’Halloran
Soracom takes Skylo satellite integration to initial service roll-out stage | Computer Weekly (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Tish Haag

Last Updated:

Views: 5479

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (47 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Tish Haag

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 30256 Tara Expressway, Kutchburgh, VT 92892-0078

Phone: +4215847628708

Job: Internal Consulting Engineer

Hobby: Roller skating, Roller skating, Kayaking, Flying, Graffiti, Ghost hunting, scrapbook

Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.