California-based connectivity firm Skylo Technologies has certified Sony’s Altair Alt1250 chipset for its satellite network.

This should ensure seamless global connectivity across devices. The certification enhances device capability for dual cellular and satellite communication, facilitating IoT and global communications.

As the chipset is now part of the Skylo certification programme, all devices incorporating it will seamlessly support cellular and native satellite connectivity without requiring the user to switch manually between the two. Connectivity plans and devices are available through a Skylo mobile service provider partner.

The chipset (altair.sony-semicon.com/products/alt1250) has passed testing and evaluation, proving its capability to meet Skylo’s standards for connectivity, power efficiency and reliability. Now, devices equipped with the chipset can operate on Skylo’s satellite network, providing opportunities for remote tracking and sensing, IoT devices, wearables, and global communications.

“We are excited to have Sony’s Altair Alt1250 achieve certification under Skylo’s programme,” said Dima Feldman, vice president at Sony Semiconductor (altair.sony-semicon.com). “This certification milestone will simplify module and end-device onboarding to Skylo’s enabled NTN. Our OneSKU technology now includes satellite communication and opens up a myriad of possibilities for innovation providing connectivity in multiple countries around the globe, both in urban and remote areas.”

The certification programme (www.skylo.tech/skylo-certification-program) empowers manufacturers and developers by endorsing chipsets and devices that are fully compatible with its satellite-based communication platform. By doing so, Skylo is fostering an ecosystem of connected devices that can operate anywhere in the world. The integration of Sony’s chipset with Skylo’s network will accelerate the deployment of satellite-connected IoT globally, enabling data-driven decision-making across a host of industries, including fleet management, logistics and agriculture.

“This achievement under the Skylo certification programme is no small feat,” said Prasanna Iyengar, senior director at Skylo. “Sony’s Altair had to pass rigorous testing to ensure reliability, efficiency and seamless integration for efficient operations over Skylo’s satellite network. It marks a significant milestone in IoT and wearables connectivity, enabling manufacturers to effortlessly incorporate NTN connectivity into their devices without the need for additional hardware modifications. This ensures that NTN is not just a feature but the foundation of ubiquitous connectivity.”

Skylo (www.skylo.tech) provides a satellite-based service that delivers seamless and global communications coverage for smartphones, wearables and IoT devices. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Mountain View, California.