Global satellite coverage as a complement to mobile networks

For many organizations, the availability of connectivity is critical—especially when solutions depend on continuous data streams. In collaboration with Skylo, our partners now offer an extension of mobile networks with satellite coverage. This hybrid approach ensures that IoT devices remain connected, even in areas without mobile network coverage.

Why satellite connectivity is needed

Mobile networks provide coverage through hundreds of roaming partners. Nevertheless, there are still locations worldwide where mobile signals are unavailable. Examples include remote maritime environments, agricultural areas, offshore installations, or large-scale construction projects outside urban regions. In such environments, satellite communication serves as a valuable complement.

With a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) such as Skylo, IoT devices can automatically switch to a satellite connection as soon as the mobile signal is lost. This makes it possible to continue transmitting sensor data or location information, for example.

How does the integration between mobile and satellite work?

The technical foundation for this hybrid connectivity lies in the 3GPP standards, which support both mobile networks and NTNs. Thanks to this standardization, mobile and satellite networks can work together seamlessly. In this scenario, data from the IoT device is transmitted via a Skylo satellite and then forwarded through a ground station to the mobile network.

A key advantage of this approach is that no bulky satellite equipment is required. Instead, compact cellular modules are used, which can be integrated into existing IoT devices. This makes the solution scalable and widely applicable across sectors such as maritime, logistics, agriculture, energy systems, and emergency communications.

In which situations is this relevant?

For many applications where device availability is essential, satellite connectivity provides clear added value. The technology is particularly suitable in contexts where data continuity is required, regardless of the location of the asset or device.

Examples of use cases include:

• Logistics, where vehicles, containers, or other assets are tracked over long distances with potential network interruptions.
• Agriculture, where sensors operate across large fields for irrigation, soil measurement, or crop monitoring.
• Energy, for monitoring installations in remote areas or offshore locations where mobile coverage is limited.
• Disaster response and critical infrastructure, where emergency communications must always be available.

Thingsdata supports organizations in deploying hybrid connectivity solutions, including satellite networks such as Skylo. We provide technical consulting, network-independent SIM cards, and a management platform suitable for applications in remote locations. Contact us at +31-85-0443500 or via info@thingsdata.com.