Skylo offers a global 3GPP Release 17‑based non‑terrestrial network that adds satellite connectivity to existing cellular devices via a firmware‑only upgrade, eliminating the need for extra hardware. This enables standard smartphones, wearables, automotive and IoT devices to transmit low‑bandwidth sensor data, SMS and, soon, voice calls across remote, maritime and industrial areas with seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite networks.
Funding
$30M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
4ONCFounders
Product
Problem
Cellular networks cover only about 15% of the planet, leaving remote, maritime, industrial and wilderness areas without reliable connectivity. Traditional satellite solutions require dedicated hardware and are costly, creating coverage gaps and limiting the use of standard cellular devices in these locations.
Solution
Skylo provides a global 3GPP Release 17‑based Non‑Terrestrial Network (NTN) that extends existing cellular connectivity to satellites, enabling standard smartphones, wearables, automotive and IoT devices to switch seamlessly between terrestrial and satellite links. By partnering with established satellite operators, Skylo delivers coverage without requiring additional antennas or custom hardware—only a firmware upgrade is needed. The service supports low‑bandwidth sensor data, SMS, and upcoming voice calls, using licensed Mobile Satellite Service spectrum and power‑saving NB‑NTN waveforms to preserve device battery life. Integration is built into chipsets and operating systems (e.g., Android 15), allowing carriers and device makers to offer continuous, uninterrupted service across urban edges, remote fields, oceans, and other hard‑to‑reach environments.
Target Audience
Primary customers are mobile network operators, device manufacturers, and enterprise users in sectors such as maritime logistics, energy, construction, agriculture, oil & gas, and defense that require reliable connectivity in remote or underserved locations.
Features
- Firmware‑only upgrade path that adds satellite connectivity to existing cellular devices, eliminating the need for extra antennas or hardware
- 3GPP Release 17 compliant NB‑NTN radio access network delivering low‑power, low‑latency data, SMS and future voice services
- Seamless handover between terrestrial and satellite networks at the chipset and OS level, with user‑visible status indicators
- Utilization of licensed Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum for continuous, contiguous global coverage without sharing carrier spectrum
- Compatibility with major chipset and module providers (e.g., Qualcomm, Samsung) and native integration with Android 15 for emergency and peer‑to‑peer messaging
- Cloud‑based backend that enables carrier‑grade roaming arrangements and simple D2D integration for enterprises
- Support for a wide range of verticals—including maritime container tracking, energy grid monitoring, construction site safety, agriculture, oil & gas, mining, and defense—through standard cellular interfaces