Skylo certifies Quectel satellite communications module

  • January 15, 2025
  • Steve Rogerson
  • Quectel

Quectel’s latest satellite communication module has achieved Skylo network certification, expanding IoT reach worldwide.

The BG95-S5 module, enabled for non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), has been certified for use on NTN service provider Skylo’s network. This is the latest addition to Quectel’s range of NTN modules certified by Skylo, delivering seamless and dependable IoT-NTN functionality for any standard device equipped with the module and a clear view of the sky.

The BG95-S5 module supports 3GPP Release 17 IoT-NTN in the S and L band frequencies for satellite communications and offers multi-mode capabilities, including LTE Cat M1, Cat NB2, eGPRS and integrated GNSS.

With an SMT form factor measuring 23.6 by 19.9 by 2.2mm, it is suitable for space-constrained use cases requiring access to multiple network technologies.

As NTN satellite communication gains momentum with expanding constellations, the module’s ability to connect via NTN, cellular and GNSS provides flexibility for designers. This ensures devices can establish connections regardless of deployment location or the availability of cellular networks at the time of communication.

“The certification of the BG95-S5 module underscores our dedication to providing reliable, high-quality satellite communications to customers globally,” said Norbert Muhrer, president of Quectel Wireless. “Our collaboration with Skylo empowers businesses to unlock new possibilities and achieve their IoT objectives, no matter where they are in the world.”

The Skylo certification process included rigorous testing and evaluation to confirm the module met strict quality and performance requirements, including 3GPP Release-17 standards and Skylo’s Standards Plus qualifications. Designed for global coverage, Skylo’s network ensures IoT devices equipped with Quectel’s module remain connected, even in regions with limited or no terrestrial infrastructure.

“We are excited to certify the Quectel BG95-S5 module to help businesses access the power of satellite for IoT,” said Tarun Gupta, chief product officer of Skylo (www.skylo.tech). “The BG95 is the world’s most popular IoT module and, by adding satellite connectivity, we continue to advance our mission that everything, everywhere will always have connectivity.”

To help developers and designers accelerate time-to-market, Quectel provides reference designs, evaluation tools and technical support. In addition to Skylo, certification processes are ongoing for North American cellular carriers and regulatory approvals in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Quectel’s IoT modules are developed with security at the core. From product architecture to firmware and software development, Quectel incorporates industry practices and standards, mitigating potential vulnerabilities with third-party independent test houses and has incorporated security practices such as generating SBOMs and Vex files as well as performing firmware binary analysis into the entire software development lifecycle.

IoT developers can streamline their development process by combining Quectel modules with its antennas and pre-certification services, reducing costs and time to market for their IoT devices. For the BG95-S5 (www.quectel.com/product/bg95-s5-satellite-communication-module) satellite module, Quectel (www.quectel.com) provides customised and standard antennas including the YECT005W1A (www.quectel.com/product/yect005w1a-5g-terminal-mount-antenna), providing developers with versatile options to enhance connectivity and expedite the deployment of their innovations.