Vodafone UK and Skylo Technologies Launch Commercial Integration of Cellular and Satellite Networks

en.Wedoany.com Reported - On November 9, Vodafone UK's IoT business and U.S. satellite communications service provider Skylo Technologies officially launched a commercial satellite IoT connectivity service, integrating 3GPP-standard non-terrestrial network narrowband IoT technology into Vodafone's global IoT platform. Compatible devices can switch between terrestrial cellular networks and satellite networks via Vodafone's global SIM card. The service targets industries requiring remote device connectivity, including logistics, maritime transport, agriculture, mining, and remote energy facilities.

The commercial service builds on prior technical cooperation and customer trials between the two parties. In early 2026, the two companies announced the integration of satellite narrowband IoT connectivity capabilities, followed by customer trials in the UK, Spain, Italy, and Canada, with use cases including remote tank monitoring, micro-mobility devices, and connected e-bikes. Following the trials, Skylo announced on November 9 the opening of commercial services to Vodafone IoT customers.

The solution uses non-terrestrial network narrowband IoT technology, integrating the two parties' network cores to enable connection switching between terrestrial cellular communications and satellite communications. Compatible devices prioritize terrestrial networks when cellular coverage is available; when devices enter areas without terrestrial signal coverage, they can switch to satellite networks; once terrestrial networks become available again, they switch back to cellular connectivity. The entire process uses the same Vodafone global SIM card, with no need to change the subscriber identity module.

The service is based on the 3GPP standards framework, reducing the difficulty of integrating satellite communications with existing mobile networks and IoT devices. Unlike traditional solutions requiring dedicated satellite communication terminals, this service does not require enterprises to adopt specially customized satellite communication hardware; however, terminals must still be equipped with compatible communication modems supporting the relevant non-terrestrial network functions and certified for the device. Therefore, not all existing Vodafone IoT devices can directly access the service.

The two parties will manage terrestrial and satellite network connectivity through Vodafone's IoT managed connectivity platform. The platform currently manages over 240 million connected devices, covers more than 180 countries, and connects to over 760 networks through partner networks. With the integration of the satellite service, enterprises can organize device connectivity and communication management across different networks on the same management platform.

The target application areas announced by the two parties include logistics and transportation, maritime transport, agriculture, mining, and remote energy infrastructure. In logistics, satellite connectivity can be used to track cargo and transport assets in areas with insufficient terrestrial network coverage; in maritime transport, it can provide connectivity for devices far from coastal mobile communication base stations; in agriculture and energy, it can be used for status monitoring of remote farmland, tanks, and energy facilities. These scenarios position satellite networks as a complement to terrestrial communications, with specific commercial deployments still depending on terminal adaptation, service coverage, and customer application requirements.