Skylo

Skylo is a technology company that provides global connectivity solutions. It has developed a proprietary method to efficiently transmit data over geostationary satellites, allowing machines, sensors, and devices to stay connected even in remote areas. Skylo's core offering is the Skylo Hub, a compact satellite terminal that connects nearby sensors and devices to the Skylo Network. The Hub includes geolocation and acceleration sensors and operates as a wireless hotspot, transmitting two-way data via the company's satellite network.

Skylo's technology enables affordable connectivity plans starting at USD one per month. It has partnered with existing satellite providers, leveraging their existing capacity to focus on servicing customers with a simple, cohesive network. The company's platform allows seamless connectivity for remote sensors, mobile messaging, and trackers, ensuring coverage in areas without terrestrial connectivity.

In early 2020, Skylo emerged from stealth mode with USD 116 million in funding, including a USD 103 million Series B round led by SoftBank. As of March 2024, the company has raised a total of USD 153 million in equity funding, including a USD 37 million round in February 2024 led by Intel Capital and Innovation Endeavors. Skylo has also formed partnerships with chipset manufacturers like Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, and Sony, enabling device makers to integrate its connectivity solution.

In November 2023, Skylo announced a global infrastructure agreement with Viasat, a satellite communications leader, to launch the world's first global direct-to-device (D2D) network. This partnership allows mobile network operators, device makers, and chipset manufacturers to take 3GPP Release 17 compliant products to market within Viasat's global network coverage.

Key customers and partnerships

Skylo has also collaborated with satellite operator Inmarsat, which supplies satellite connectivity to power Skylo's Narrow-Band (NB) internet of Things (IoT) network. This partnership allows Skylo to rapidly execute a global rollout, leveraging Inmarsat's extensive coverage and landing rights.

In June 2021, Skylo announced a partnership with Indian Mobile Network Operator (MNO) BSNL to offer its services in India. One of Skylo's solutions is a fleet management application used by wooden fishing boats in the Indian Ocean, enabling them to report fish catch populations, complete ecommerce transactions, and report emergencies remotely.

As of March 2024, Skylo has launched its initial service across the US, Canada, and Europe in partnership with chipmakers Qualcomm, Samsung, MediaTek, and Sony, as well as device OEMs and mobile carriers such as Deutsche Telekom.