Vodafone IoT links with Skylo for satellite NB-IoT coverage

Vodafone IoT has teamed up with Skylo Technologies to test Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) Narrowband IoT satellite services, aiming to extend coverage into remote and hard-to-reach areas. Skylo currently operates a global NTN network across 36 countries and 70 million square kilometres.

The partnership will integrate Skylo’s satellite network core with Vodafone IoT’s core, so customers can switch between cellular and satellite using a single Vodafone SIM and manage both through Vodafone’s existing Managed Connectivity Platform. The service is positioned as an overlay to terrestrial networks for use cases such as asset tracking, energy, environmental monitoring, and fleet management. Skylo’s network works with multiple satellite constellations and is already integrated into certified chipsets and modules, which the companies say should support a wide range of industrial IoT deployments once commercial service begins.