Skylo
Skylo operates the world's first commercial 3GPP standards-based direct-to-device NB-NTN satellite connectivity service, enabling smartphones, wearables, automotive, and IoT devices to connect over existing GEO satellite partners through wholesale partnerships with mobile operators, OEMs, and IoT platforms across 37+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2017
- HeadquartersMountain View, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingSoftware
What Skylo does
Skylo is a Mountain View, California-based non-terrestrial network (NTN) service provider founded in 2017 by engineers and scientists from MIT and Stanford. The company operates the world's first commercial standards-based 3GPP Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity service, commercially launched in April 2023 across what has grown to 37+ countries on 5 continents with 70+ million square kilometers of coverage supported by ten Earth stations and partnerships with geostestational satellite operators (Viasat, Ligado Networks, EchoStar, Terrestar Solutions, Space42 Thuraya-4).
Skylo's vertically integrated stack spans the chipset/modem, certified device layer, proprietary vRAN Base Stations, Network Core, and applications, with proprietary "Standards Plus" specifications layered on top of 3GPP to add Class of Service for emergency prioritization, multicast protocol, and power-saving modes (eDRX/PSM). The technology enables standard cellular smartphones, wearables, IoT modules, and automotive systems to connect over satellites via existing GEO capacity without hardware modification, with 80%+ of industry-standard 5G chipsets and 60%+ of modules certified for interoperability.
Skylo operates a wholesale B2B business model, generating revenue from carrier integration agreements, IoT connectivity services delivered through operator and platform channels, and device certification fees ($4,000-$7,500 per certification). Customers include MNOs/MVNOs (Verizon, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone IoT, Orange, Telefónica, KPN, Tele2, Charter, Comcast), OEMs (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Garmin, Ulefone), module makers (Murata, Quectel, Semtech, u-blox), and IoT platforms (Soracom, Monogoto, emnify). As of FCC filings the network carries 16 million+ authorized devices globally, and the company has raised approximately $183 million+ across four funding rounds from investors including SoftBank, Intel Capital, Innovation Endeavors, NGP Capital, BMW i Ventures, Samsung Catalyst, DCM, Boeing, Seraphim Space, Next47, Moore Ventures, and The Westly Group.
Skylo firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Skylo
- Legal name
- Skylo Technologies
- Website
- https://skylo.tech
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2017
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- Skylo operates the world's first commercial 3GPP standards-based direct-to-device NB-NTN satellite connectivity service, enabling smartphones, wearables, automotive, and IoT devices to connect over existing GEO satellite partners through wholesale partnerships with mobile operators, OEMs, and IoT platforms across 37+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Skylo industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Satellite Connectivity Services
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Satellite Telecommunications (517410)
- SIC
- Communications Services, Nec (4899), Services-Telephone Interconnect Systems (7385)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Direct-to-Device (D2D) / NTN Cellular (Satellite-to-Handset, NB-IoT NTN) (HDAIAJAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services) (HDAIAJAI), Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom) (HDAIAJAB), Satellite IoT & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Connectivity (LPWAN over Satellite) (HDAIAJAF)
Keywords
Where Skylo is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Mountain View
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Skylo business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Software
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Wholesale Satellite Connectivity (B2B to Carriers): Skylo operates as a wholesale provider of satellite connectivity to Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and MVNOs who bundle the service as part of their terrestrial cellular offerings. Revenue is generated through carrier integration agreements; subscribers receive a single bill from their service provider.
- Device Certification Fees: Skylo charges device manufacturers for certification testing — $7,500 for modules and chip-on-board devices, and $4,000 for integrated devices based on Skylo Certified modules. Three certification levels: chipset, module, and device.
- IoT Connectivity Services via Operator Channel: Skylo enables IoT connectivity services delivered through carrier partners (e.g., Vodafone IoT's Managed Connectivity Platform) that integrate Skylo's NTN coverage spanning 36 countries and 70 million square kilometers for asset tracking, agriculture, maritime, and environmental monitoring use cases.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Certification: Modules / Chip-on-Board Devices |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Certification: Integrated Devices (using certified modules) |
| Subscription | Monthly | Orange Message Satellite (Powered by Skylo) |
| Hybrid | Pay-as-you-go | Blues Notecard for Skylo Module |
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels9 records
Skylo product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Skylo operates the world's first commercial standards-based direct-to-device (D2D) satellite network service, delivering 3GPP Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) connectivity for smartphones, wearables, automotive, and IoT devices. The company runs a vertically integrated software-defined platform spanning chipset, certified device, proprietary Radio Access Network (vRAN) installed in 10 Earth Stations globally, Network Core, and applications, leveraging GEO satellite capacity from partners (Viasat, Ligado, EchoStar, Terrestar, Space42) without owning its own satellites. Service is delivered wholesale to MNOs/MVNOs and OEMs and covers 70+ million sq km across 37+ countries on five continents.
Product overview
Skylo operates a single unified Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite network service built on a platform-plus-modules architecture. The core offering is the Skylo Direct-to-Device NB-NTN Satellite Network Service, delivered through Skylo's proprietary Radio Access Network (RAN) installed in ten Earth Stations globally, with the world's first commercial standards-based direct-to-device RAN commercially launched in April 2023. Layered on top of 3GPP standards, Skylo Standards Plus adds capabilities like the Class of Service (COS) for emergency prioritization and the Multicast Service for one-to-many messaging. Complementing the core service, the Skylo Voice Gateway for NTN introduces AI-based native voice calling for MNOs. The Skylo Certification Program supports an ecosystem of certified chipsets (Qualcomm, Samsung Exynos, Sony Altair, MediaTek), modules (Murata 1SC, Quectel BG770A-SN/BG95-S5, Semtech HL78, u-blox SARA-S528NM10, Nordic nRF9151, GCT, Compal RMM-T1), and end-user devices (Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, Garmin fēnix 8 Pro, Ulefone, Blackview, 701x livestock trackers, Tag-N-Trac, Digitanimal, SATELLAI, Creative5). Skylo integrates with MNO/MVNO core networks via standard 3GPP interfaces (S6a, S8) and operates as a wholesale provider, with carrier partners managing customer relationships and SIM distribution.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Skylo Direct-to-Device (D2D) NB-NTN Satellite Network Service The core satellite connectivity service — the world's largest commercial standards-based direct-to-device network. Built on 3GPP NB-NTN standards with proprietary Standards Plus additions, the service provides continuous coverage overlay across 70 million+ square kilometers in 37+ countries on 5 continents, connecting consumer smartphones, wearables, automotive, and IoT devices to satellites via existing GEO satellite partners (Viasat, Ligado, EchoStar, Terrestar, Space42 Thuraya-4).
- Skylo Voice Gateway for NTN An AI-based native voice gateway introduced in 2025 that enables NTN voice calling on Skylo's commercial network. Supports satellite voice services for smartphones, expanding on existing emergency messaging and SMS services. Designed to fuel MNO scalability and monetization for satellite-based voice applications.
- Skylo Standards Plus Skylo's proprietary technical specifications layered on top of 3GPP standards to improve functionality, interoperability, and ubiquity of the satellite-based network. Includes the Class of Service (COS) for emergency message prioritization, efficient spectrum utilization, multicast protocol for one-to-many satellite messaging, and unique NTN-only applications.
- Skylo Multicast Service A multicast protocol service for distributing a single message or copy of data to a group of users (one-to-many) over Skylo's satellite network. Includes two highly optimized flows for physical/radio control of multicast messages (NB-IoT) and application-layer multicast protocol subscriptions. Use cases include alerts and warnings, group messages, application/vendor announcements, and FOTA/software updates.
- Skylo Certification Program The industry's only device certification program for satellite IoT devices, covering chipset, module, and device-level certification. Standard pricing is $7,500 for modules and chip-on-board devices, and $4,000 for integrated devices based on Skylo Certified modules. Certification includes compliance with latest 3GPP NTN standards and Skylo's Standards Plus requirements, with testing performed at approved labs (SGS, Sporton, Element, Anritsu, Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz).
- Skylo Mobile Network Operator (MNO) Integration Integration service enabling MNOs/MVNOs to connect with Skylo's NTN network via standard 3GPP interfaces (S6a for authentication, S8 for data routing). Skylo can complete core integration with carrier customers in as little as 3 weeks. Provides seamless integration through standard roaming-like arrangements.
Quantifiable outcome
- 70M+ sq km commercial coverage across 37 countries on 5 continents
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Skylo
Customer profileNamed customers24 records
Segments8 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Skylo technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration39 records
AI capability5 records
Feature6 records
Skylo partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
48 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship strategic partnership enabling d2d across 37+ countries via thuraya-4 geostationary satellite, major — flagship iot module partnership with notecard for skylo, significant — global certified partner for 3gpp nb-ntn satellite service from space, major — first automotive-focused cellular-satellite connectivity solution through single sim, major — unified enterprise control plane for global iot deployments, flagship — world's first multi-orbit iot roaming launch with major european carrier, major — chip and module certification partnership to power next-gen 5g-to-space ecosystem, flagship — major global mno partnership bringing ntn nb-iot to enterprise iot customers worldwide, significant — meowgo g50 max ai-hub integrates skylo satellite connectivity, major — first european operator to offer skylo-powered satellite sms service, significant — first swedish operator to launch satellite iot with skylo, significant — industry's first single vendor device-to-cloud cellular and satellite iot solution, significant — ga of integrated satellite iot connectivity solution across four major regions, major — flagship wearable oem partnership for fēnix 8 pro smartwatch satellite connectivity, significant — enables native sms messaging over satellite for verizon, significant — dutch incumbent carrier partnership for worldwide satellite connectivity, significant — major us cable operators offering skylo-powered satellite connectivity, significant — first tariff for satellite iot combining terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks, significant — flagship livestock tracking customer with certified xtpro tag, flagship — first major us carrier partnership for d2d messaging service, flagship chipset partnership with snapdragon integration, flagship chipset and device partnership (samsung exynos, galaxy devices), major chipset partnership for nrf9151 module with low power ntn, flagship — key satellite capacity and infrastructure partner, major — satellite spectrum and capacity partner, significant chipset integration partnership, major — type 1sc-ntn was first module certified by skylo, major — module maker partnership for bg770a-sn and bg95-s5, major — chipset-level integration with sony altair alt1250, major automotive oem partnership (bmw i ventures also an investor), significant — automotive tier-1 partner with ready connect offering, significant industry association membership, flagship chipset-level integration with snapdragon modems, significant — iot developer tools integration, significant — ntn certification testing partner, significant — approved test lab with 145 validated test cases, significant — ntn test partner with validated test plan, significant — global certification testing partner, significant — module partner for rmm-t1, significant — first satellite iot-ntn cellular module, significant — global nb-iot connectivity via geo satellites, significant — iot supernetwork satplus convergence, significant — iot connectivity platform, significant — world's first lorawan gateway with skylo ntn-backhaul, significant — intelligent edge with skylo ntn satellite and minor — automotive sector partner.
- Space42flagship strategic partnership enabling d2d across 37+ countries via thuraya-4 geostationary satelliteStrategic partnership to deliver standards-based direct-to-device connectivity through Space42's Thuraya-4 geostationary satellite. Technology integration between Skylo's 3GPP-compliant NTN platform and Thuraya-4 is complete, with bi-directional real-time voice calls demonstrated without modified SIMs. Commercial deployment is ready across 37+ countries pending regulatory approvals and operator agreements.
- Bluesmajor — flagship iot module partnership with notecard for skyloLaunched Notecard for Skylo at Embedded World 2026 — first IoT module to combine satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi connectivity in a single device. Priced at $89 with bundled data and no monthly subscription fees. Enables automatic failover across three Radio Access Technologies for mission-critical industries. Built on the two-year partnership initiated with Starnote for Skylo.
- Solara Remote Data Deliverysignificant — global certified partner for 3gpp nb-ntn satellite service from spaceFormal Certification Agreement making Solara a global certified partner for providing 3GPP NB-NTN satellite service from space. Culminates Solara's year-and-a-half development of 5G space solutions ensuring products meet Skylo's standards for cost-effective coverage in remote areas.
- Cubic³major — first automotive-focused cellular-satellite connectivity solution through single simUnveiled the world's first automotive-focused connectivity solution combining cellular and satellite networks through a single SIM at MWC Barcelona. Enables seamless global coverage and safety-critical fallback for vehicles with no additional hardware required for OEM adoption.
- Simetricmajor — unified enterprise control plane for global iot deploymentsStrategic partnership to deliver a unified enterprise control plane for global IoT device management. Simetric enables enterprises and service providers to manage global IoT deployments through a unified platform normalizing connectivity data from over 300 mobile and satellite networks worldwide. Includes ServiceNow integration for unified ticketing and asset management.
- Deutsche Telekomflagship — world's first multi-orbit iot roaming launch with major european carrierDeutsche Telekom became the world's first mobile network operator to offer multi-orbit IoT roaming, combining GEO (Skylo) and LEO satellite services alongside terrestrial NB-IoT/LTE-M. Multi-orbit connectivity validated on standard commercial hardware using Nordic Semiconductor's nRF9151 module. Launched a Multi-Orbit Early Adopter Program with 15 companies and five research institutions.
- GCT Semiconductormajor — chip and module certification partnership to power next-gen 5g-to-space ecosystemPartnership to develop satellite connectivity solutions enabling devices to connect seamlessly in areas lacking terrestrial coverage. Joint efforts toward chip and module certification to support multi-use devices utilizing Skylo's satellite network spanning 36 countries and 70 million square kilometers.
- Vodafone IoTflagship — major global mno partnership bringing ntn nb-iot to enterprise iot customers worldwideStrategic partnership to integrate satellite-based Non-Terrestrial Network NB-IoT connectivity into Vodafone's IoT ecosystem. Enables seamless switching between terrestrial cellular networks and Skylo's satellite overlay using a single Vodafone SIM. Targets asset tracking, energy services, environmental monitoring, and fleet management.
- uCloudlinksignificant — meowgo g50 max ai-hub integrates skylo satellite connectivityMeowGo G50 Max AI-powered connectivity hub incorporates Skylo's satellite connectivity technology and is Skylo-certified. Enables seamless switching between terrestrial, in-flight, and satellite networks without manual intervention. Launched at CES 2026.
- Orangemajor — first european operator to offer skylo-powered satellite sms serviceLaunch of 'Message Satellite' — a Direct-to-Device satellite SMS service available in France and 36 countries. Initially exclusive to Google Pixel 9 and 10 users on 5G/5G+ plans at €5 per month after 6-month free trial. Skylo serves as the non-terrestrial network operator.
- Tele2significant — first swedish operator to launch satellite iot with skyloLaunched global satellite IoT connectivity service, making Tele2 the first Swedish operator to offer a 3GPP-based satellite IoT solution. Enables devices to switch seamlessly between terrestrial and satellite networks for agriculture, logistics, and maritime sectors.
- Semtechsignificant — industry's first single vendor device-to-cloud cellular and satellite iot solutionIntegrated Skylo's satellite network into Semtech's IoT platform to offer device-to-cloud solution switching seamlessly between terrestrial and satellite networks. Supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, NTN, and 2G fallback, providing global connectivity with one SIM and contract. Smart Connectivity Premium now offers access through Skylo-certified HL78 LPWA modules.
- Soracomsignificant — ga of integrated satellite iot connectivity solution across four major regionsGeneral Availability of non-terrestrial network integration enabling commercial deployment of hybrid IoT solutions across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania. Standard cellular devices access Skylo's satellite network without special antennas or modems, with unified management through Soracom's platform. Targets critical industries including energy, agriculture, defense, and communications.
- Garminmajor — flagship wearable oem partnership for fēnix 8 pro smartwatch satellite connectivityExpansion of collaboration to bring standards-based satellite connectivity to the new fēnix 8 Pro smartwatch. Enables users to send text messages, share GPS coordinates, and trigger SOS alerts directly from the watch without a paired phone. Coverage available in continental US, Canada, and much of Europe with plans to expand across Skylo's 36-country network.
- Syniversesignificant — enables native sms messaging over satellite for verizonPartnership to implement SMS over satellite for Verizon, offering satellite connectivity beyond emergency services and enabling native SMS messaging over satellite for Verizon customers.
- KPNsignificant — dutch incumbent carrier partnership for worldwide satellite connectivityKPN partnered with Skylo for mission-critical communication in markets worldwide to ensure connectivity where gaps in cellular coverage exist. Together, KPN and Skylo are setting a new standard for continuous communication in IoT to open new business opportunities globally.
- Charter Communications / Comcastsignificant — major us cable operators offering skylo-powered satellite connectivitySpectrum Mobile (Charter) and Xfinity Mobile (Comcast) customers benefit from always-on connectivity powered by Skylo when cellular or WiFi service is unavailable.
- Telefónica (o2 Business)significant — first tariff for satellite iot combining terrestrial and non-terrestrial networkso2 Business launched first tariff for satellite IoT combining communication via terrestrial and non-terrestrial mobile networks (cellular and satellites) for business customers. Launched in March 2025.
- 701xsignificant — flagship livestock tracking customer with certified xtpro tagPartnership to bring Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) connectivity to cattle management. 701x's xTpro tag was officially certified by Skylo ensuring compatibility with Skylo's commercially-available network and enhancing connectivity and data transmission capabilities for ranchers worldwide.
- Verizonflagship — first major us carrier partnership for d2d messaging serviceVerizon teamed up with Skylo to launch direct-to-device messaging for customers. Skylo currently supplies emergency satellite messaging to compatible Verizon and Google Pixel phones. Verizon holds FCC authorization across three device classes with expansion requested to support growing demand.
- Qualcommflagship chipset partnership with snapdragon integrationDeep chipset-level integration with Qualcomm Snapdragon modems (212S, 9205S, X80, Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2, W5 Gen 2 wearable platforms). 80%+ of industry-standard 5G chipsets have completed interoperability and deployment testing with Skylo. Snapdragon-equipped smartphones seamlessly support satellite messaging, location sharing, and SOS.
- Samsungflagship chipset and device partnership (samsung exynos, galaxy devices)Deep integration with Samsung Exynos 5G chipsets (including Exynos Modem 5400 and Exynos 2500). Skylo certified the Galaxy S25 series, Galaxy Z Flip7, Galaxy Z Fold7, and upcoming Galaxy S26 series on Verizon with satellite connectivity powered by Skylo.
- Nordic Semiconductormajor chipset partnership for nrf9151 module with low power ntnPartnership to bring ultra-low power satellite connectivity to massive IoT. The nRF9151 SiP module supports both terrestrial cellular IoT and NTN satellite connectivity. Co-published white paper demonstrating energy consumption for standard data reporting is comparable to terrestrial devices in poor coverage areas.
- Viasatflagship — key satellite capacity and infrastructure partnerSkylo partners with Viasat for satellite spectrum and capacity. Joint demonstrations of standards-based D2D communications including in Mexico City using Viasat's I-4 F3 satellite with 3GPP NTN standards and Skylo's standards-based NTN RAN and core infrastructure.
- EchoStarmajor — satellite spectrum and capacity partnerSkylo partners with EchoStar for satellite spectrum and capacity to deliver global coverage without building proprietary constellations.
- Ligado Networksmajor — satellite spectrum and capacity partnerSkylo partners with Ligado Networks for spectrum and capacity as part of its multi-partner satellite approach.
- Terrestar Solutionsmajor — satellite spectrum and capacity partnerSkylo partners with Terrestar Solutions for spectrum and capacity as part of its MSS spectrum approach.
- MediaTeksignificant chipset integration partnershipMediaTek chipset integration with Skylo network. MediaTek is listed as one of Skylo's deep chipset-level partners. Anritsu partners with MediaTek (along with Qualcomm, Sony Altair, Samsung) for NTN test development.
- Muratamajor — type 1sc-ntn was first module certified by skyloMurata's Type 1SC-NTN module is the first module certified by Skylo for cellular and non-terrestrial network connectivity. Achieved Skylo FCC & CE L-band certification. Designed to allow customers to use both TN and NTN networks with toggle capability.
- Quectelmajor — module maker partnership for bg770a-sn and bg95-s5BG770A-SN and BG95-S5 satellite communication modules certified on Skylo network. Developer getting-started guides published for both modules with AT command configurations.
- Sony (Sony Altair)major — chipset-level integration with sony altair alt1250Skylo 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. Accelerates deployment of satellite-connected IoT solutions across fleet management, logistics, and agriculture.
- BMW Groupmajor automotive oem partnership (bmw i ventures also an investor)Skylo drives into automotive sector with BMW Group, Deutsche Telekom, Qualcomm, HARMAN, Fraunhofer IIS, Cubic³, and others. Showcases Location Tracking, Navigation, and Emergency Services powered by Skylo. BMW i Ventures also invested in Skylo's funding round.
- HARMANsignificant — automotive tier-1 partner with ready connect offeringHARMAN's Ready Connect partnership with Qualcomm and Skylo enables satellite integration for automotive deployment, supporting software-defined vehicles and mobility-as-a-service models.
- 5G Automotive Association (5GAA)significant industry association membershipSkylo is a member of 5GAA and participates in demonstrations of connected mobility technologies. Collaborated with BMW Group, Deutsche Telekom, Viasat on Release-17 NTN demonstrations at 2025 5GAA meetings in Paris.
- Qualcomm Technologies (Snapdragon X80)flagship chipset-level integration with snapdragon modemsSnapdragon X80-equipped smartphones seamlessly support satellite messaging, location sharing, and SOS. Snapdragon X80 5G Modem-RF System was used in Deutsche Telekom/Skylo/Qualcomm proof-of-concept SMS over satellite demo on Google Pixel 9. Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 and W5 Gen 2 are world's first wearable platforms with NB-NTN satellite support.
- Particlesignificant — iot developer tools integrationPartnership brings Particle tools and infrastructure together with Skylo satellite network to unlock new connectivity solutions for IoT developers.
- Anritsusignificant — ntn certification testing partnerAnritsu has partnered with Skylo along with chipset vendors including Sony Altair, MediaTek, Qualcomm, and Samsung to develop and validate conformance tests for NTN IoT-NB devices ahead of accredited lab certification.
- Keysightsignificant — approved test lab with 145 validated test casesKeysight has 145 approved test cases available for non-terrestrial network chipset, module, and device certification onto Skylo mobile operator networks. Approved third-party lab for Skylo certification.
- Rohde & Schwarzsignificant — ntn test partner with validated test planRohde & Schwarz's NTN Netop test solutions have been accepted as part of Skylo's NTN Certification Program following Phase 1 validation. Collaborated with Sony Semiconductor Israel to verify Sony Altair's device for NTN NB-IoT capability.
- SGSsignificant — global certification testing partnerPartnership for global certification testing accelerating device certification process. SGS facilities in San Diego, Taiwan, and China ensure compliance with Skylo's certification tests.
- Compalsignificant — module partner for rmm-t1Compal's RMM-T1 module achieved Skylo certification and FCC approval. Compal presents groundbreaking NTN Satellite IoT Solutions at MWC Barcelona with MediaTek, Kiwi Technology, Skylo, and Creative5.
- u-bloxsignificant — first satellite iot-ntn cellular moduleu-blox launches first satellite IoT-NTN cellular module with embedded GNSS. The SARA-S528NM10, powered by the UBX-S52 cellular/satellite chipset and M10 GNSS platform, expands the cellular portfolio for the satellite IoT market based on 3GPP Rel 17 specification.
- BICSsignificant — global nb-iot connectivity via geo satellitesTwo-way partnership to deliver ubiquitous NB-IoT connectivity via GEO satellites, benefiting enterprises and telcos requiring faster global coverage at competitive rates.
- emnifysignificant — iot supernetwork satplus convergenceIndustry-first converged cellular and satellite IoT connectivity in North America and Europe via Skylo network. Single eSIM, connectivity management and invoice, with flexible data plans to maximize device uptime and drive down satellite connectivity costs.
- Monogotosignificant — iot connectivity platformSkylo partner providing certified device guides and IoT connectivity. Skylo developer documentation references Monogoto's AT command guides extensively.
- Creative5significant — world's first lorawan gateway with skylo ntn-backhaulCreative5 Hestia A2 achieved Skylo Certification as world's first gateway for LoRaWAN™ with Skylo NTN-backhaul, representing a fundamental shift in how remote IoT operations are connected.
- Synaptics / Grinnsignificant — intelligent edge with skylo ntn satellitePartnership combining high-performance AI with satellite IoT through Synaptics, Skylo, Murata, and Grinn for IoT Video Analytics in Remote Locations.
- Fraunhofer IISminor — automotive sector partnerPartner in Skylo's automotive sector entry with BMW Group, Deutsche Telekom, Qualcomm, HARMAN, Cubic³, and others. Showcases Location Tracking, Navigation, and Emergency Services powered by Skylo.
Scale indicators13 records
Recent moves2 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Skylo competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Viasat: Viasat is a major global satellite operator providing capacity, spectrum, and managed connectivity services. It is both a critical satellite-capacity partner for Skylo and a broad incumbent in satellite communications that could compete with Skylo by vertically integrating D2D capabilities. Viasat's size and spectrum assets make it a powerful strategic counterpart.
- EchoStar Corporation: EchoStar operates a fleet of GEO satellites and holds valuable MSS spectrum, providing capacity to Skylo. It is a broad incumbent in satellite communications with the resources to compete or partner in D2D, and is a key strategic counterparty whose spectrum underpins part of Skylo's service.
- Inmarsat (Viasat): Inmarsat (now part of Viasat) is a global mobile satellite services operator providing voice, data, and IoT connectivity. It is a broad incumbent in MSS and maritime/aviation/enterprise IoT, overlapping with Skylo in IoT and government/defense verticals, and could either partner with or compete against Skylo via standards-based D2D.
Direct peers
- Lynk Global: Lynk Global is a D2D satellite connectivity startup building a LEO constellation for direct-to-mobile-phone messaging and emergency services. It targets the same MNOs and emerging-market operators as Skylo and competes head-to-head for carrier D2D contracts, though Lynk uses its own proprietary satellite architecture rather than 3GPP NB-NTN.
- AST SpaceMobile: AST SpaceMobile is building a space-based cellular broadband network direct-to-device using a constellation of large LEO satellites. Both Skylo and AST SpaceMobile target the same opportunity (standards-based D2D to standard smartphones) and compete for the same carrier relationships (Verizon, AT&T, Vodafone). AST's LEO architecture offers lower latency and broadband capacity, while Skylo's GEO NB-NTN approach is narrower but more capital-efficient.
- Iridium Communications: Iridium operates a global LEO satellite network and previously partnered with Qualcomm for Snapdragon Satellite D2D service. It is a direct D2D competitor to Skylo, particularly in IoT and messaging, and benefits from an existing constellation and regulatory footprint — though it uses proprietary rather than 3GPP standards.
- Starlink (SpaceX) — T-Mobile partnership: SpaceX's Starlink, partnered with T-Mobile, is launching D2D satellite-to-cellular service using its massive LEO constellation. Direct competitor for D2D to consumer smartphones, with substantially greater spectrum, satellite capacity, and capital than Skylo. Both are pursuing the same carrier-and-OEM distribution model for standards-based D2D.
Emerging players
- Sateliot: Sateliot is a Spanish LEO nanosatellite operator providing 5G NB-IoT NTN services, partnered with Deutsche Telekom alongside Skylo. It overlaps with Skylo's enterprise IoT and standards-based NTN focus, but is at an earlier stage and uses LEO architecture — making it a partial / emerging D2D peer.
- OQ Technology: OQ Technology is a Luxembourg-based 5G NB-IoT NTN operator using LEO satellites, also partnered with Deutsche Telekom for multi-orbit IoT. It targets the same enterprise IoT NTN opportunity as Skylo with overlapping carrier channels, but at earlier commercial scale and using LEO rather than GEO.
Regional players
- Galaxy Space (Yinhe Hangtian): Galaxy Space is a Chinese satellite operator building a LEO broadband constellation and pursuing D2D capabilities primarily for the Chinese market. It is a regional player comparable to Skylo in standards-based D2D ambition but operating in a distinct geographic and regulatory environment.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights10 records
Customer concentration
Skylo social profiles
Digital presenceSkylo compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
Skylo financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Skylo leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
Skylo subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Skylo funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors11 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Skylo M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Skylo
What does Skylo do?
Skylo operates the world's first commercial standards-based direct-to-device (D2D) satellite network service, delivering 3GPP Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) connectivity for smartphones, wearables, automotive, and IoT devices. The company runs a vertically integrated software-defined platform spanning chipset, certified device, proprietary Radio Access Network (vRAN) installed in 10 Earth Stations globally, Network Core, and applications, leveraging GEO satellite capacity from partners (Viasat, Ligado, EchoStar, Terrestar, Space42) without owning its own satellites. Service is delivered wholesale to MNOs/MVNOs and OEMs and covers 70+ million sq km across 37+ countries on five continents.
Is Skylo a public or private company?
Skylo is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was Skylo founded?
Skylo was founded in 2017. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is Skylo based?
Skylo is headquartered in Mountain View, United States, in the North America region.
How does Skylo make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Wholesale Satellite Connectivity (B2B to Carriers) is the primary driver. The others are device Certification Fees and ioT Connectivity Services via Operator Channel.
Who are Skylo's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Viasat, EchoStar Corporation and Inmarsat (Viasat). Direct peers are Lynk Global, AST SpaceMobile, Iridium Communications and Starlink (SpaceX) — T-Mobile partnership. Emerging players are Sateliot and OQ Technology. Galaxy Space (Yinhe Hangtian) is listed as a regional player.
Does Skylo have an API?
No public API is recorded for Skylo.
What industry is Skylo in?
Skylo's product category is Satellite Connectivity Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAJAE, Direct-to-Device (D2D) / NTN Cellular (Satellite-to-Handset, NB-IoT NTN), with a secondary code of HDAIAJAI, Satellite Network Operations & Capacity Services (NOC, Capacity Leasing, Managed Payload Services). Its NAICS code is 5174 and its SIC code is 4899.