BSNL, Skylo launch world’s first satellite-based IoT network in India


State-owned telecom operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) in partnership with Skylotech India has launched satellite-based NB-IoT (Narrow Band-Internet of Things) at the ongoing Indian Mobile Congress 2020. “India will now have access to a ubiquitous fabric of connectivity for millions of yet unconnected machines, sensors and industrial IoT devices,” said the company.

The ‘Made in India’ Solution developed by Skylo, will connect with BSNLs satellite- ground infrastructure and provide PAN-India coverage, from Kashmir & Ladakh to Kanyakumari, and from Gujarat to the North East, including the Indian seas.

It is currently being integrated and tested on trucks, commercial vehicles, railways, and fishing vessels in India. Manufactured under the “Make in India” initiative, Skylo said that it has leveraged cellular-grade hardware to communicate over satellite, resulting in highly affordable, easy to install rugged hub devices, and an immersive dashboard to be able to access information from remote locations on mobile devices or desktops. Skylo leverages existing satellites to bring reliable connectivity without the need to add new infrastructure in space.

A small, smart, incredibly rugged box, the Skylo ‘User Terminal’ interfaces with sensors and transmits data to the Skylo Network and into peoples’ hands. The immersive Skylo Platform provides a visualized experience via mobile and desktop and gives users the ability to take immediate and appropriate action.

This new digital machine connectivity layer will serve as a complement to smartphone-centric mobile & Wi-Fi networks, and covers India’s full geography to bring online new applications for the first time.

Starting with fishermen, farmers, construction, mining and logistics enterprises, this technology is expected to reach various user groups before the New Year 2021 begins.

Commenting on the launch, P.K.Purwar, CMD, BSNL, said:

The solution is in line with BSNLs vision to leverage technology to provide affordable and innovative telecom services and products across customers segments”.He further added:Skylo would also help provide critical data for the logistics sector to enable effective distribution of COVID-19vaccine in 2021and will be a big contributor in service to the nation.

Parthsarathi Trivedi, CEO and Co-founder, Skylo, said:

For centuries, industries including agriculture, railways, and fisheries, have been operating in the physical world and haven’t had the opportunity to take full advantage of modern digital technologies like AI, machine learning, IoT, and space connectivity, regardless of their geography — until today. With Skylo and BSNL, fishermen, farmers, and truck drivers can access the benefits of an affordable, reliable satellite network and connected sensors, giving them up-to-the-minute information. As a result, they’ll be able to make better decisions, save time and money, radically improve operations, and even save the lives of their workers.


Author: Srivatsan Sridhar

Srivatsan Sridhar is a Mobile Technology Enthusiast who is passionate about Mobile phones and Mobile apps. He uses the phones he reviews as his main phone. You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram