Skylo claims to have done extensive stress testing with MediaTek’s 3GPP NTN chipset to ensure always-on availability when the user has access to the open sky
Non-terrestrial network (NTN) service operator, Skylo recently announced its ongoing partnership with MediaTek, a leading global chipset manufacturer. The partners believe that with MediaTek’s 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) NTN-standard modem and Skylo’s NTN service, smartphone and IoT manufacturers are able to develop new devices, sensors, and wearables with in-built satellite connectivity. As per the released note, this allows OEMs to offer connectivity experiences that weren’t possible before, such as being able to text without any gaps or loss in coverage resulting in deeper customer relationships.
MediaTek boasts of currently having a viable chipset solution with 3GPP NTN capabilities, making it possible to integrate cellular and satellite connectivity into the same device. The official communication claimed that MediaTek’s chipsets power over two billion new consumer and enterprise products each year, and lead the industry with integration, connection, and power efficiency. It further noted that Skylo’s NTN service is also commercially available today and has done extensive stress testing with MediaTek’s 3GPP NTN chipset to ensure always-on availability when the user has access to the open sky.
Assistant General Manager of MediaTek, Cliff Lin remarked, “The use cases for satellite connectivity based on 3GPP NTN standard are profound, and we have just scratched the tip of the iceberg as satellite and cellular converge for the first time. Our technology provides users with a tested, viable, and consistent opportunity to contact loved ones and emergency services from remote areas.”
Lin suggested continuing to work with Skylo to ensure the compliance of their chipsets with industry standards and work on its commercial-ready and capable satellite network.
Chief Technology Officer for Skylo, Dr Andrew Nuttall stated, “MediaTek’s 3GPP standards-based chipset with NTN is a major milestone in bringing ubiquitous connectivity to smartphones and subscribers across the globe. We’re honoured to support MediaTek and deliver a service to their OEM customers.”
1997-born MediaTek Inc. is a global fabless semiconductor company which develops innovative systems-on-chip (SoC) for mobile devices, home entertainment, connectivity and IoT products.
2017-born Skylo Technologies is an NTN service provider based in Palo Alto, CA, offering a service that allows cellular modems and devices to connect directly over existing satellites. Devices connected over satellite are managed and served by Skylo’s commercial NTN vRAN, featuring a 3GPP standards-based cloud-native base station and core.
