Murata and Skylo reveal satellite NTN connectivity at MWC

By combining Skylo’s non-terrestrial network (NTN) with Murata’s Type 1SC module, an advanced ultra-small low-power cellular IoT solution, the companies’ collaboration aims to enable seamless, ubiquitous connectivity. This allows device manufacturers to connect devices such as wearables, sensors, and trackers directly over satellite without requiring new hardware or specialised equipment.

Murata’s Type 1SC solution is the world’s smallest form factor LTE Cat M/NB-IoT module with global certification and satellite NTN. It supports GPS/GNSS, OpenMCU, and Integrated SIM to support the applications that are moving the market forward, such as dual-mode cellular IoT. The solution’s high level of integration aims to cut time to market and reduces customers’ development and deployment costs.

Further, current Type 1SC module customers can adopt this new feature without the need to alter hardware. Skylo, an NTN service provider, enables compatible devices to connect over existing geostationary satellites. This allows users with compatible cellular devices to toggle between terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity as long as the user has access to the open sky.

Its direct-to-device service is powered by its standards-based technology, including an NTN-capable RAN and core with a modem firmware update.

“By leveraging Skylo’s technology, we can bring a level of seamless connectivity in a single module that was not possible before,” said Mehul Udani, VP Corporate Technology & Innovation at Murata. “This collaboration enables a new class of IoT solutions without design complexity and additional hardware cost.”

“Skylo is excited to work with Murata and extend the availability of satellite connectivity to a broad range of IoT devices and wearables to define new customer experiences that weren’t possible before,” added Tarun Gupta, Co-founder & Chief Product Officer at Skylo. “We are excited to offer Murata’s modules with Skylo’s satellite connectivity to the world’s leading OEMs and developers, delivering on the promise that anyone, anything, anywhere can be connected.”