SkyWave Mobile

What SkyWave Mobile does

SkyWave Mobile is the commercial brand under which ORBCOMM Inc. (a publicly traded industrial IoT company founded in 1993; SkyWave Mobile Communications itself was acquired by ORBCOMM in 2015) sells its intelligent satellite-cellular IoT platform. The platform delivers hybrid satellite-cellular connectivity for mission-critical industrial applications, with 800,000+ active devices in the field, 40B+ messages processed annually, and a presence in 90+ countries supported by 800 employees across 25 countries. The portfolio includes the ST 4000 and ST 9100 hybrid satellite-cellular terminals, the SC 1000 solar-powered satellite tracker, and the ST 6100, ST 6000, and ST 2100 satellite terminals, all backed by ORBCOMM's proprietary OGx, IDP, and OG2 satellite constellations and cellular roaming partnerships.

The underlying technology combines owned LEO satellite infrastructure with cellular fallback to deliver always-on connectivity through automatic network failover. Direct-to-device (D2D) capabilities enable smaller form-factor devices to connect via satellite without large external antennas, while the Edge Intelligence processing engine transforms raw sensor inputs into actionable insights at the terminal level to reduce satellite bandwidth costs. Distribution and solution build-out are driven by the SKYWAVE Connect partner program, which encompasses 500+ IoT solution providers, system integrators, VARs, OEMs, distributors, and connectivity resellers, complemented by direct enterprise field sales and a marketplace of partner-developed applications.

SkyWave generates revenue through three streams: one-time hardware sales of purpose-built IoT devices; recurring connectivity subscriptions across satellite (OGx, IDP, OG2) and cellular networks; and platform/managed services including Edge Intelligence, the T.WIZARD configuration tool, and device/billing management via the SKYWAVE Connect portal. The company serves six primary verticals — Agriculture, Maritime, Mining, Oil & Gas, Transportation, and Utilities — with named enterprise partners and integrators including AAMG, GOST, RanchBot, FreeWave Technologies, PT SOG, SnapGIS, and Nauticomm. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed. In April 2026, the parent ORBCOMM closed a $460 million refinancing led by Carlyle, Bain Credit's Private Credit Group, and Morgan Stanley Private Credit to fund continued expansion.

Name

SkyWave Mobile

Legal name

ORBCOMM Inc.

Website

https://skywave.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1993

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

SkyWave Mobile is ORBCOMM's industrial IoT brand offering hybrid satellite-cellular connectivity, purpose-built rugged devices, and the OGx satellite network for mission-critical remote applications across Agriculture, Maritime, Mining, Oil & Gas, Transportation, and Utilities in 90+ countries.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite IoT Connectivity

NAICS

Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Satellite Telecommunications (517410)

SIC

Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Communications Services, Nec (4899)

akta.pro primary industry

Satellite IoT & Machine-to-Machine (M2M) Connectivity (LPWAN over Satellite) (HDAIAJAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Satellite Broadband Terminals & Gateways (VSAT/LEO CPE) (HDAFAIAM), IoT Connectivity Management (Private APN, SIM/eSIM, Device Connectivity) (HDAIAGAG), Fleet, Asset Tracking & Telematics Location Platforms (BPAMANAF)

Keywords

• Satellite IoT connectivity
• Industrial IoT hardware
• Hybrid satellite-cellular devices
• Remote asset monitoring
• Fleet tracking solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Ottawa

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. IoT Device/Hardware Sales: Sale of purpose-built rugged IoT devices including embeddable modem modules (ST 4000), programmable terminals (ST 9100, ST 6100, ST 6000), solar-powered satellite trackers (SC 1000), and enclosed satellite modems (ST 2100). One-time hardware purchase with ongoing connectivity services.
2. Satellite and Cellular Connectivity Services: Recurring connectivity services leveraging ORBCOMM's satellite networks (OGx, IDP, OG2) and cellular partnerships. Provides global coverage for mission-critical IoT applications with dual-mode failover between satellite and cellular networks.
3. Platform and Data Services: SKYWAVE Connect platform enables partners and end customers to manage devices, data, and billing through a secure, intuitive customer portal. Additional value-added services include Edge Intelligence processing, T.WIZARD configuration, and application enablement tools.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

SKYWAVE is the brand for ORBCOMM's intelligent IoT platform, selling purpose-built hybrid satellite-cellular and satellite-only IoT hardware devices (ST 4000, ST 9100, SC 1000, ST 6100, ST 6000, ST 2100) along with global connectivity services through its proprietary OGx satellite network. The company delivers always-on connectivity for industrial IoT applications including remote asset tracking, equipment monitoring, fleet management, vessel tracking, and SCADA across Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas, Maritime, Transportation, and Utilities verticals.

Product overview

SKYWAVE is the new brand for ORBCOMM's intelligent IoT platform, offering a comprehensive portfolio of hybrid satellite-cellular and satellite-only IoT products for industrial applications. The product lineup includes ST 4000 and ST 9100 as hybrid satellite-cellular products (seamlessly switching between satellite and cellular networks), complemented by satellite-only products: SC 1000 (solar-powered tracker), ST 6100, ST 6000, and ST 2100. The OGx satellite IoT service provides the underlying connectivity, while the SKYWAVE Connect partner program enables solution providers to build and scale IoT deployments globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• ST 4000 Hybrid Satellite-Cellular Module Embeddable modem module providing hybrid satellite-cellular IoT connectivity with seamless switching between networks for mission-critical industrial applications. Targeted at OEMs and system integrators building industrial IoT solutions.
• ST 9100 Programmable Multi-Interface Terminal Programmable multi-interface terminal supporting hybrid satellite-cellular connectivity for industrial IoT deployments requiring flexible interface options.
• SC 1000 Native Satellite Tracker Cost-effective, solar-powered satellite tracker designed for asset monitoring in remote locations where cellular coverage is unavailable. Built on the OGx network.
• ST 6100 Programmable Terminal Programmable terminal with essential interfaces for satellite IoT applications, supporting industrial monitoring and asset tracking.
• ST 6000 Embeddable Programmable Terminal Embeddable programmable terminal for satellite IoT deployments, designed for integration into existing industrial equipment and systems.
• ST 2100 Rugged Enclosed Satellite Modem Rugged enclosed satellite modem built for harsh industrial environments requiring reliable satellite connectivity.
• OGx Satellite IoT Service Next-generation satellite IoT network service providing global coverage with larger message sizes and faster transmission at reduced cost for industrial IoT applications. Operated by ORBCOMM.
• SKYWAVE Connect Partner Program Global partner ecosystem and program enabling IoT solution providers, system integrators, value-added resellers, distributors, and connectivity partners to design, deploy, and scale IoT solutions with SKYWAVE technology. Includes 500+ partners across 90+ countries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 800,000+ critical assets connected globally across 90+ countries
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• NauticommcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 20 March 2026Nauticomm, a Thailand-based intelligent vessel monitoring and smart utility solutions provider, joined the SKYWAVE Connect program as an Ascent partner. This relationship expands SKYWAVE's reach in Southeast Asian maritime markets, where demand for reliable IoT connectivity continues to grow.
• Allcom TelecomcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 6 March 2026Allcom Telecom joined the SKYWAVE Connect partner program as a Distribution partner, marking a step in SKYWAVE's expansion into Latin America's fastest-growing technology markets, particularly Brazil.
• AAMG (Autonomy & Asset Management Group)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 15 April 2025AAMG joined the SKYWAVE Connect program as the first Ascent member, receiving enhanced technical, sales, and marketing support, early access to new products, and prioritized partner benefits to accelerate growth in the mining and heavy equipment IoT market.
• GOST (Global Ocean Security Technology)coreTechnology or IntegrationGOST develops the GOST Navtracker vessel tracking solution using SKYWAVE's technology and the streamlined vessel tracking interface, providing the most reliable and user-friendly vessel tracking system on the market for maritime fleet operators.
• PT SOGcoreTechnology or IntegrationPT SOG provides cost-effective, customizable, easy-to-install fishing vessel monitoring solutions powered by SKYWAVE's satellite connectivity, enabling fleet owners to comply with regulations and improve crew safety through 24/7 monitoring.
• RanchBotcoreTechnology or IntegrationRanchBot integrated SKYWAVE satellite modems into its livestock water monitoring solutions, enabling ranchers to monitor water supplies across ranches spanning hundreds of thousands or even a million-plus acres, completely redefining water management for large-scale ranching operations.
• FreeWave TechnologiescoreTechnology or IntegrationFreeWave leverages ORBCOMM's next-generation satellite IoT technology to expand its environmental IoT portfolio, providing always-on visibility and control for sensors, equipment, and machines across agriculture, water management, weather forecasting, and tank level applications globally.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Swarm (SpaceX): Swarm, now part of SpaceX, operates a low-cost LEO satellite IoT network for low-bandwidth global IoT messaging and tracking. Comparable to SKYWAVE's OGx service as a low-cost satellite IoT alternative for remote applications.
• Particle Industries: Particle provides an IoT platform with cellular-connected hardware modules, device management, and a developer ecosystem for industrial IoT applications. Comparable to SKYWAVE on platform-mediated IoT enablement, though primarily cellular rather than satellite.
• Astrocast: Astrocast is a Swiss LEO satellite IoT operator providing bidirectional low-cost IoT connectivity for asset tracking, agriculture, maritime, and remote industrial applications. Directly comparable to SKYWAVE on satellite-only LPWAN IoT and is a relevant emerging competitor in the same niche.
• Sigfox: Sigfox operates a low-power wide-area (LPWAN) IoT network focused on low-bandwidth, low-cost global connectivity for asset tracking and industrial IoT. Comparable to SKYWAVE's OGx service as a competing low-bandwidth wide-area IoT connectivity layer.

Regional players

• Thuraya (Yahsat): Thuraya, owned by Yahsat, provides satellite mobile communications (voice, data, IoT) primarily across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Comparable to SKYWAVE on satellite IoT/M2M for industrial verticals, with overlapping reach in maritime and remote land-mobile applications.

Direct peers

• Globalstar: Globalstar operates its own LEO satellite constellation providing satellite IoT, SPOT personal tracking, and asset tracking services. Directly comparable to SKYWAVE on owned-satellite IoT/M2M connectivity serving remote industrial and consumer use cases.
• Sierra Wireless (Semtech): Sierra Wireless (now part of Semtech) provides IoT modules, gateways, and managed connectivity services for industrial IoT, asset tracking, and fleet management. Comparable to SKYWAVE on industrial IoT device + connectivity offerings, though more cellular-focused.
• Iridium Communications: Iridium is a direct satellite IoT/M2M peer operating its own L-band constellation (Iridium Certus, Iridium Edge) for global industrial IoT, maritime, and asset tracking. Closely comparable to SKYWAVE on satellite IoT connectivity, dual-mode devices, and mission-critical industrial verticals.
• KORE Wireless: KORE Wireless is an IoT connectivity management provider offering multi-network cellular and satellite IoT connectivity (including satellite IoT partnerships) for enterprise and industrial customers. Comparable to SKYWAVE on managed IoT connectivity and partner-driven enterprise sales.

Broad incumbents

• Inmarsat (Viasat): Inmarsat (now part of Viasat) provides global mobile satellite communications including maritime, aviation, and land-mobile connectivity with a much broader portfolio than SKYWAVE. Overlaps with SKYWAVE on satellite mobility and maritime verticals but as a broad incumbent rather than an IoT specialist.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/skywave-mobile-communications
• Xx.com/SkyWaveMobile
• Facebookfacebook.com/skywavemobile

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors3 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SkyWave Mobile