Blues is partnering with non-terrestrial network (NTN) service operator Skylo Technologies to launch Starnote, an add-on to its flagship product Notecard.

Starnote will enable satellite connectivity for Blues’ customers through a streamlined cost model and developer accessibility.

Starnote (blues.com/starnote) provides a cost-efficient, reliable module that serves as a backup satellite connectivity option should a user’s device go beyond the reach of cellular coverage, allowing for ongoing connectivity regardless of the device or location. The extension attaches seamlessly to an already installed Notecard, providing automatic satellite fallback to devices whose primary connectivity is LTE Cat-M, LTE Cat-1, NB-IoT, GPRS or even wifi.

“For developers and enterprises everywhere, satellite connectivity is now a viable option,” said Ray Ozzie, CEO of Blues. “Starnote is breaking new ground by providing continuous satellite coverage with low data usage costs and no monthly usage fees or minimums. Historically, high pricing and high monthly minimums have kept satellite coverage out of consideration for low-cost, high-volume products. By partnering with Skylo, Blues will fundamentally change the landscape, setting the stage for remarkable growth. Starnote is so affordable and easy to use that any developer can now develop fixed or mobile options for monitoring and remote control without worry about coverage in remote areas. By using the Notecard’s simple API, customer data will automatically transit on the best and least expensive technology available at that moment: wifi, cellular or satellite.”

Today’s global cellular networks are fundamentally designed for high availability; infrastructure investments are made based on population density. This has resulted in challenges for businesses requiring cloud connectivity in remote areas, including smart agriculture, marine telematics, rail, global logistics and shipping, construction, and oil and gas. Until now, extremely high satellite connectivity costs have given enterprises no choice but to build and manage their own remote networks, backhauling their data using a broad mix of long-range radio technologies.

Building on the business model pioneered by Blues’ cellular Notecard product, Starnote is changing satellite IoT by making it accessible and affordable, and by eliminating monthly fees. With Starnote, users won’t pay any satellite-related charges when a device is inactive or when it happens to be operating in an area with ample cellular coverage. This eliminates the need for businesses to invest in labour or systems to monitor when devices become active or go inactive, as has traditionally been required for cost-saving purposes. Additionally, each Starnote module is bundled with enough pre-paid data for a year or more, depending on the application.

“Skylo is honoured to partner with Blues to expand intuitive and affordable satellite connectivity,” said Tarun Gupta, chief product officer at Skylo Technologies. “By incorporating satellite data into its regular IoT devices, Blues is able to bring an unprecedented amount of innovation into the IoT ecosystem.”

Blues was attracted to partner with Skylo because of its ability to enable IIoT devices to connect directly over existing satellite constellations having continuous and contiguous coverage. Skylo is among the few NTN connectivity providers to operate on a connect-and-send-anytime basis using GEO constellations, in contrast to the schedule-and-send when the satellite is overhead approach employed by carriers using sparse LEO constellations. This send-anytime approach allows for immediate time-sensitive alerts required when monitoring critical infrastructure or the environment.

Blues (blues.com) has a mission to transform every physical product into an intelligent service, helping communities and companies save time and money, and improve the world. More than 800 organisations worldwide, from non-profits to start-ups to enterprises, use Blues’ integrated hardware, software and cloud service IIoT technologies to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences and create new revenue streams.

Skylo Technologies (www.skylo.tech) is a global NTN service provider based in Mountain View, California, offering a service that allows smartphone and IoT cellular devices to connect directly over existing satellites.