Vodafone IoT announced a partnership with Skylo Technologies to deliver Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) NB-IoT satellite connectivity to enterprise customers. The agreement introduces satellite as an overlay to existing cellular NB-IoT services, extending coverage for IoT deployments in remote and hard-to-reach locations.
Under the partnership, Vodafone IoT and Skylo will integrate their network cores so IoT devices can automatically switch between terrestrial NB-IoT and NTN satellite connectivity using a single Vodafone SIM. The hybrid model targets use cases such as asset tracking, energy services, environmental monitoring, and fleet management, while allowing customers to manage both cellular and satellite connections through Vodafone IoT’s Managed Connectivity Platform.
In the initial phase, the companies will trial the technology with plans to move toward a commercial service. Skylo operates a global NTN spanning 36 countries and approximately 70 million square kilometres (27 million square miles) of coverage, orchestrating connectivity across multiple satellite constellations and integrating directly with existing chipsets, modules, and operating systems.
- Hybrid connectivity combines terrestrial NB-IoT with NTN satellite coverage using one SIM
- Automatic network switching enabled through integrated Vodafone IoT and Skylo cores
- Supports multi-national IoT deployments in remote and underserved regions
- Skylo network spans 36 countries with ~70 million km² (27 million sq mi) coverage
- Devices managed through Vodafone IoT’s existing Managed Connectivity Platform
Erik Brenneis, CEO of Vodafone IoT, said: “As we continue our mission to provide our customers with truly global IoT connectivity, today marks another significant step forwards. Our new partnership with Skylo will help us deliver ubiquitous connectivity for our customers and make a step-change in network access, reliability and resilience which together with enable the next wave of innovative IoT solutions.”
🌐 Analysis
The partnership aligns with broader industry momentum around 3GPP-compliant NTN services, as mobile operators look to extend IoT coverage without redesigning device hardware or SIM architectures. Vodafone’s approach mirrors similar hybrid cellular-satellite strategies emerging across the telecom sector, while Skylo continues to position itself as a neutral NTN layer interoperable with existing operator cores and IoT ecosystems.
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