“Global IoT deployments” are a wonderful idea in principle — until network devices venture outside the range of a cellular network tower, in which case they’re not so wonderful. That’s because the devices drop off the network, leaving applications like remote utilities, asset tracking, and agricultural monitoring gasping from coverage gaps. And here's where that wonderful principle of global IoT deployments can vexingly collide with reality.
This is the point at which Semtech steps in through an expanded partnership with Skylo and its global non-terrestrial network (NTN). Semtech’s Skylo-certified HL7810 and HL7812 low-power, wide-area (LPWA) modules and Smart Connectivity Premium SIM work seamlessly with its AirVantage unified management platform to automatically switch devices between terrestrial and NTN networks. It leads to continuous connectivity and eliminates the need for costly, custom satellite connectivity schemes.
Semtech’s HL7810 LPWA module supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, and NTN connections, while the HL7812 adds 2G fallback capability. When coupled with the Smart Connectivity Premium SIM, the solution offers access to 600+ 4G LTE and 5G partner networks across 190+ countries and territories, plus Skylo’s satellite NTN.
Skylo’s NTN spans 36 countries worldwide across 60 million square kilometers of coverage, enabling IoT devices and other devices to connect via NTN for a truly seamless experience.
Skylo partners with satellite operators such as Viasat, Terrestar Solutions, Ligado Networks, and EchoStar for spectrum and capacity. Through the AirVantage management platform, businesses can deftly manage devices, SIMs, and billing on a single screen with predictable monthly fees, it’s claimed. As a result, it dramatically reduces operational complexity and total cost of ownership (TCO) for global deployments.
The solution is open for testing now with qualifying customers; general availability ensues in November 2025.
