Quectel and Skylo Announce the World’s First Non Terrestrial Network Modules

January 05, 2023

Quectel Wireless Solutions is partnering with Skylo , a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) operator, focused on connecting anything, anywhere, to enable seamless satellite connections across all devices using Quectel’s 5G-ready BG95x/BG77x series of LPWA modules. Quectel’s modules will be the first to support satellite NTN, bringing seamless connectivity to devices, sensors, machines and more for an improved customer experience.

Quectel NTN-ready modules (running the latest Rel-17 NTN firmware) will not require customers to make any changes to the way they design their hardware. Any device, sensor, or machine can be upgraded to support satellite connectivity. This means that consumer and enterprise customers worldwide will be able to connect via cellular or satellite without having to manually toggle between the two or require a separate device.

“Quectel is thrilled with this latest breakthrough in our technology, ushering in a new era of IoT solutions and connectivity,” said, Neset Yalcinkaya, VP of Product for Quectel. “The fact that IoT devices can now access satellite connectivity using the same module as cellular means that we can support use-cases and a level of coverage that simply wouldn’t have been possible in the past – from maritime and shipping, to outdoor wearables and automotive.”

Skylo’s network allows compatible cellular devices to seamlessly switch between cellular and satellite, resulting in ubiquitous coverage with no gaps in connectivity and no need for any special or extra antenna. Skylo operates its own 3GPP standards-based NTN RAN and Core and is installed in existing ground stations that allow for large geographic coverage supported by geostationary satellite networks, enabling quick expansion into new areas or regions and no need to wait for new constellations.

“We’re truly excited to partner with Quectel Wireless Solutions, a leading global IoT solutions provider, to bring NTN to the mass market, giving customers a better connectivity experience as well as accessibility for new applications,” said Tarun Gupta, CPO for Skylo. “This advancement is also an upgrade to existing modules that will allow for NTN capabilities using 3GPP standards-based firmware, making space-based connections no different than roaming between two networks.”

Quectel and Skylo will be together at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, NV, this week to share how their respective technologies are coming together to offer ubiquitous connectivity to IoT devices. The companies will soon support early adopters to active NTN on their devices and products.