American wireless network provider Verizon has partnered with satellite communications provider Skylo to launch a commercial direct-to-device messaging service. Starting this fall, Verizon customers will gain access to emergency messaging and location sharing via satellite on select smartphones, even when the terrestrial network is unavailable. Next year, Verizon will offer the ability to text anywhere via satellite for customers with select devices, the operator said in a statement on Wednesday.
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Skylo's Technology and Coverage Benefits
Reportedly, Skylo utilises dedicated, licensed mobile satellite spectrum for connectivity, which avoids network interference with terrestrial signals and ensures ubiquitous coverage for customers in rural or rugged areas where low population density, technical challenges, and economic viability make building a cellular network infeasible.
Verizon's Efforts in Satellite Connectivity
Verizon claims to be the first mobile carrier worldwide to commercially launch supplemental smartphone connectivity on Skylo's non-terrestrial satellite network and the first mobile carrier to launch a commercial direct-to-device service offering.
"Verizon has been driving innovation in the use of supplemental satellite capabilities for years, using satellite connections for cell tower rapid deployments, emergency response, and temporary solutions. We are encouraged by the progress being made in satellite-to-device communications for consumers and are equally excited to be driving technical innovation trials in the space of satellite IoT solutions," said Verizon.
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Expanding Satellite IoT Capabilities
In addition to consumer services, Verizon and Skylo are advancing satellite IoT technology, allowing IoT devices to roam onto satellite networks for enhanced coverage in remote areas. This satellite IoT roaming capability supports various industries, including agriculture, maritime, and asset tracking, by ensuring connectivity in the most challenging environments.
"Verizon's network boasts an exceptionally large terrestrial cellular network and covers more than 99 percent of the population in the United States. However, there are occasional enterprise needs for IoT devices in places where people don’t live or regularly visit. Satellite IoT, in combination with Verizon’s terrestrial assets, creates the perfect combination for IoT solutions in the most remote parts of the country and over land, air, and sea without having to use a separate physical device,” said Skylo.
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Successful Proof-of-Concept Test
In a recent proof-of-concept, Verizon and Skylo were able to complete a connection using a Verizon-enabled IoT cellular device across both Verizon's cellular network and Skylo's satellite network, the companies said in a statement.
