Solara
Solara is a Winnipeg-based Canadian company that designs and manufactures satellite messaging and GPS tracking hardware for individuals, enterprises, and government agencies operating in remote and extreme environments, sold direct and through retail channels globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersWinnipeg, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Solara does
Solara Remote Data Delivery Inc. is a Winnipeg-based Canadian company founded in 2006 by Tom Tessier, a former Magellan satellite engineer, that designs, manufactures, and sells satellite-based two-way text messaging and GPS tracking hardware for individuals, enterprises, and government agencies operating in remote and extreme environments. Its core products are the Solara Flare — a compact Bluetooth device that pairs with a smartphone to deliver global satellite texting via the Iridium 66-satellite LEO constellation — and the rugged Field Tracker 2000/2100 and Slimtracker lines for personnel and asset tracking. Solara's proprietary SolAce back-office platform handles billing, device management, and bridging between the satellite and telephone networks, and the firm offers end-to-end custom development services from electronic packaging through PCBA production.
Solara monetizes through a combination of one-time hardware sales (Flare at $499.99 CAD; Field Tracker at higher price points) and recurring monthly airtime subscription plans tiered from $24.99 CAD (10 texts) to $89.99 CAD (unlimited), with a $29.99 CAD one-time activation fee and custom corporate shared plans. Distribution is hybrid: a direct-to-consumer e-commerce storefront, a toll-free enterprise sales line, retail placement in North West Company's Northern Stores with discussions underway at Best Buy and Visions Electronics, and specialty boat-dealer distribution in Florida.
The customer base is broad but individually small — spanning remote outdoor consumers, helicopter and aviation operators, mining professionals, international military units (New Zealand, Nigeria, Italy), Indigenous community programs (Kuujjuaq), academic researchers (University of Manitoba CEOS), and environmental NGOs (IISD Experimental Lakes Area). In March 2025 Solara announced a partnership with Skylo Technologies at Mobile World Congress to integrate 5G cellular-from-space (NTN) service into a next-generation Flare planned for Q1 2026, signaling a transition from a single Iridium-dependent architecture toward a multi-network, standards-based roadmap.
Solara firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Solara
- Legal name
- Solara Remote Data Delivery Incorporated
- Website
- https://solaradata.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Solara is a Winnipeg-based Canadian company that designs and manufactures satellite messaging and GPS tracking hardware for individuals, enterprises, and government agencies operating in remote and extreme environments, sold direct and through retail channels globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Solara industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Satellite Communication Hardware
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Satellite Telecommunications (51741), Satellite Telecommunications (517410)
- SIC
- Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Computer Peripheral Equipment, Nec (3577)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom) (HDAIAJAB), Direct-to-Device (D2D) / NTN Cellular (Satellite-to-Handset, NB-IoT NTN) (HDAIAJAE), NTN-Enabled Emergency, Government & Defense Communications (Public Safety, Tactical, Resilience) (HDAIAJAJ), Satellite Broadband Internet Access (Consumer/SMB) (HDAIAJAA)
Keywords
Where Solara is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Winnipeg
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Solara business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Satellite Communication Hardware Sales: Solara designs, manufactures, and sells proprietary satellite communication hardware devices including the Solara Flare, Field Tracker 2000, Field Tracker 2100, and Slimtracker. Hardware is sold as one-time purchases, with optional accessories. The Flare retails for $499.99 CAD and the Field Tracker product line at higher price points ($1,199 for Field Tracker vs. $499 for Flare).
- Satellite Air Time / Texting Plans: Recurring monthly subscription plans provide satellite text messaging service over the Iridium network. Plans range from $24.99 CAD/month (10 texts) to $89.99 CAD/month (unlimited). An additional one-time $29.99 CAD activation fee applies. Corporate shared plans are also offered. Revenue is generated on a per-text overage basis when usage exceeds plan limits.
- Skylo 5G Satellite Service Integration: Next-generation Flare devices will integrate Skylo's 5G cellular-from-space service, expanding service affordability and coverage. This represents a new service revenue stream leveraging Skylo's geosynchronous satellite constellation.
- Custom Development Services: Solara offers end-to-end custom development services from concept through production, including electronic packaging design, embedded software, schematic and PCB design, PCBA production and assembly, and back-office integration. Clients include organizations requiring specialized satellite or IoT remote sensing solutions. Revenue is project-based.
- OSS/BSS and Telecom Solutions: Solara provides telecom solutions including Operational Support Systems and Business Support Systems, network bridging between satellite and telephone networks, and value-added services (real-time weather, SOS signalling, roadside assistance). These are typically sold as managed or professional services to telecom and enterprise clients.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Safe and Secure: $24.99/month for 10 satellite texts |
| Subscription | Monthly | Base: $34.99/month for 100 satellite texts |
| Subscription | Monthly | Moderate: $54.99/month for 300 satellite texts |
| Subscription | Monthly | Unlimited: $89.99/month for unlimited satellite texting |
| One time/ perpetual license | Monthly | Flare Device: $499.99 CAD one-time purchase + $29.99 CAD setup fee |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Corporate Air Time Plans: Custom pricing |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels5 records
Solara product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Solara designs, manufactures, and sells rugged satellite communication and GPS tracking hardware — most prominently the Solara Flare (a Bluetooth device that turns a user's smartphone into a satellite phone), the Field Tracker 2000/2100, and the Slimtracker — operating them over the Iridium LEO satellite network with 100% global coverage. The company packages these devices with tiered monthly air-time subscription plans, runs the proprietary SolAce back-office platform, and offers custom development and OSS/BSS telecom solutions. Customers include individual remote travelers, defence units, mining and aviation operators, marine users, truckers, scientific researchers, and Arctic communities.
Product overview
Solara is a satellite communication hardware and wireless data solutions company offering a portfolio of rugged GPS tracking and messaging devices. The product line centers on the Flare (smartphone-paired satellite communicator), Field Tracker 2000 and 2100 (portable GPS tracking units with two-way satellite messaging), and Slimtracker (economical off-road/marine tracker). These devices operate on the Iridium satellite network with 100% global coverage. The SolAce back-office software platform manages device provisioning and network integration. Solara also provides custom development and telecom solutions services, and has partnered with Skylo Technologies for next-generation 5G satellite connectivity. The company sells devices directly and through air time subscription plans.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Solara Flare A compact Bluetooth satellite communicator that pairs with a smartphone to provide two-way text messaging over the Iridium network. Includes one-button operation, IPX6 water resistance, SOS signalling via rapid power-button presses, and a 5,200 mAh lithium-ion battery that doubles as a phone charger. Sold to individual consumers (campers, hikers, boaters, truckers), remote workers, and as a subsidized safety device in Arctic communities.
- Solara Field Tracker 2000 A rugged, waterproof portable GPS tracking device with integrated Iridium satellite antenna and two-way text messaging for real-time asset and personnel tracking in extreme environments. Includes sealed battery compartment, vibration and shock tolerance, integrated antennas, automated position transmission at user-settable intervals, and optional solar charging. Sold to enterprise, government, defence, mining, aviation, and research customers.
- Solara Field Tracker 2100 Lightweight (25% lighter than Field Tracker 2000) portable GPS tracking device with a tactile-response keypad, Iridium satellite two-way connectivity, and ruggedized construction for tracking assets and personnel in remote and extreme locations. Sold to enterprise, government, defence, mining, aviation, marine, and scientific research customers.
- Solara Slimtracker Economical GPS tracking device with satellite communication, designed for off-road and marine applications. Sold to enterprise and individual buyers needing cost-effective satellite tracking for vehicles, vessels, and remote assets.
- Satellite Air Time Plans Tiered monthly subscription plans providing satellite texting and data services over the Iridium network for Flare and Field Tracker devices. Plans range from "Safe and Secure" at $24.99 CAD/month (10 texts) through "Base" at $34.99 (100 texts), "Moderate" at $54.99 (300 texts), and "Unlimited" at $89.99, plus custom corporate shared plans and a $9.99/month hold/resume option. Includes a one-time $29.99 CAD activation fee.
- Custom Development Services End-to-end custom wireless product development services from concept through production, including electronic packaging design, embedded software, schematic and PCB design, PCBA production and assembly, and back-office integration. Sells to organizations requiring specialized satellite or IoT remote-sensing solutions; revenue is project-based.
- Telecom Solutions Software and systems architecture services including OSS/BSS design, network bridging between satellite and telephone networks, value-added services (real-time weather, SOS, roadside assistance), and secure customer data management. Sold as managed or professional services to telecom carriers and enterprise clients.
Quantifiable outcome
- Message delivery in less than a minute via Iridium satellite with clear sky view
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Solara
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Solara technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Solara partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Skylo TechnologiescoreSolara and Skylo Technologies signed a partnership agreement at Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Spain, enabling Solara's next-generation Flare devices to provide 5G cellular service from space. Skylo is a global NTN service provider based in Mountain View, CA, offering the first 5G cellular service from space via geosynchronous satellites. Next-generation Flare devices will seamlessly roam between Skylo service areas without any user changes to phone or SIM card. Solara found Skylo excelled in providing SMS messaging, GPS location reports, and SOS services through rigorous evaluation, including integration with Solara's SolAce back-office servers.
- Hunter Support Program, Kuujjuaq ( Nunavik, Northern Quebec)coreThe Hunter Support Program in Kuujjuaq is distributing Solara Flare devices at subsidized prices to community members to improve safety and enable communication when on the land, out of cell phone range. This program specifically addresses Solara's original founding mission — providing communication tools for people of the Canadian Arctic. The VHF system previously used by the community is being supplemented by the cell phone-based Flare satellite messaging system for SAR prevention and response.
- Indigenous Leadership Development InstituteminorA 100% Indigenous-owned and operated training enterprise in Winnipeg that provided interactive online training to Solara's employees on Indigenous history, traditions, values, beliefs, and the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Calls to Action. Training was part of Solara's commitment to the Winnipeg Indigenous Accord on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
- eMission LLCcoreSolara is developing a remote data collection business in conjunction with eMission LLC out of Alexandria, Virginia, which has connections with international organizations including UNESCO and various organizations in Africa. This partnership expands Solara's IoT remote sensor data gathering capabilities and opens new geographic verticals (Africa) and institutional customers (UNESCO).
- North Forge Technology EastminorNorth Forge Technology East (Winnipeg's fabrication laboratory) provided Tom Tessier access to its FabLab and fabrication equipment, enabling rapid and low-cost prototyping of Solara's satellite communication devices. North Forge also provided mentorship, networking opportunities, and business guidance that 'catapulted Solara's growth potential.' Solara continues as a member of North Forge's FabLab community.
- Centre for Earth Observation Sciences (CEOS), University of ManitobacoreSolara was chosen to provide specialized GPS tracking technology for extreme environments to CEOS for sea ice monitoring and climate change research. The first deployment was on ice flows in the Beaufort Sea from the Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker 'Amundsen' in September 2016/2017, with subsequent deployment in Hudson's Bay near Churchill, Manitoba. This partnership connects to Solara's original mission of serving Canadian Arctic communities.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Solara competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Garmin: Garmin's inReach product line (Mini 2, Messenger, etc.) is the dominant consumer/professional satellite two-way messenger and GPS tracker using the Iridium network. Directly comparable to Solara Flare and Field Tracker in target customer (outdoor enthusiasts, marine, aviation) and underlying satellite backbone.
- ZOLEO: ZOLEO offers a Bluetooth satellite communicator that pairs with smartphones for global two-way messaging over Iridium, with tiered monthly plans. Closest direct head-to-head competitor to the Solara Flare in form factor, pricing, and consumer/SMB use case.
- Somewear Labs: Somewear's Global Hotspot is a satellite messaging and tracking device that pairs with smartphones over Iridium, targeting outdoor and industrial safety use cases. Comparable to Solara Flare on consumer/professional satellite messenger positioning.
- Bivystick: Bivy (formerly Bivystick) makes a satellite two-way messenger and SOS device using Iridium, with an accompanying app for smartphone pairing. Comparable to the Solara Flare in outdoor/remote-worker messaging and SOS positioning.
- SPOT (by Globalstar): SPOT's messengers (SPOT X, SPOT Gen4) provide two-way satellite text and GPS tracking via Globalstar for outdoor and lone-worker use cases. Comparable to Solara's Field Tracker and Slimtracker on rugged satellite tracking and SOS messaging.
Broad incumbents
- Iridium Communications: Iridium operates the 66-satellite LEO constellation that powers Solara's devices. While not a direct device competitor, Iridium is the upstream network and partner ecosystem that defines the addressable market and pricing for Solara's hardware.
- Globalstar: Globalstar operates a low-earth-orbit satellite constellation used by Apple for iPhone emergency SOS and by SPOT-branded messengers. Comparable as an LEO satellite operator and adjacent device ecosystem competing for similar consumer/outdoor messaging use cases.
- Thuraya: Thuraya offers satellite phones, terminals, and IoT data modules across EMEA and Asia for maritime, government, and enterprise users. Comparable as a broader satellite communications hardware and service provider operating in similar rugged/remote verticals.
- Motorola Solutions: Motorola Solutions provides mission-critical communications, including tactical satellite and radio solutions for defense and public safety - the same customer segments Solara serves with Field Tracker for military and SAR deployments.
Emerging players
- Skylo Technologies: Skylo is Solara's announced 3GPP NTN partner for next-generation 5G cellular-from-space services. Skylo also enables other device OEMs, making it both a partner and a partial competitive channel for direct-to-device satellite messaging.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Solara social profiles
Digital presenceSolara compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Solara financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Solara leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Solara funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Solara M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Solara
What does Solara do?
Solara designs, manufactures, and sells rugged satellite communication and GPS tracking hardware — most prominently the Solara Flare (a Bluetooth device that turns a user's smartphone into a satellite phone), the Field Tracker 2000/2100, and the Slimtracker — operating them over the Iridium LEO satellite network with 100% global coverage. The company packages these devices with tiered monthly air-time subscription plans, runs the proprietary SolAce back-office platform, and offers custom development and OSS/BSS telecom solutions. Customers include individual remote travelers, defence units, mining and aviation operators, marine users, truckers, scientific researchers, and Arctic communities.
Is Solara a public or private company?
Solara is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Solara founded?
Solara was founded in 2006. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Solara based?
Solara is headquartered in Winnipeg, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Solara make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Satellite Communication Hardware Sales are the primary driver. The others are satellite Air Time / Texting Plans, skylo 5G Satellite Service Integration, custom Development Services and OSS/BSS and Telecom Solutions.
Who are Solara's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Garmin, ZOLEO, Somewear Labs, Bivystick and SPOT (by Globalstar). Broad incumbents are Iridium Communications, Globalstar, Thuraya and Motorola Solutions. Skylo Technologies is listed as an emerging player.
Does Solara have an API?
No public API is recorded for Solara.
What industry is Solara in?
Solara's product category is Satellite Communication Hardware. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAIAM, Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE), with a secondary code of HDAIAJAB, Enterprise Satellite Connectivity & Managed Services (VSAT, SD-WAN over Satcom). Its NAICS code is 5174 and its SIC code is 3576.