Verizon teams up with satellite service provider Skylo to launch direct-to-device messaging for customers
Verizon and Skylo have partnered to launch a commercial direct-to-device messaging service for Verizon customers, providing connectivity in areas without cellular coverage. Starting this fall, select smartphones will have access to emergency messaging and location sharing via satellite. By next year, Verizon plans to offer text-anywhere satellite capabilities for certain devices.
Verizon is the first mobile carrier globally to launch supplemental smartphone connectivity on Skylo's non-terrestrial satellite network. The companies are also collaborating on satellite IoT technology, successfully demonstrating how Verizon-enabled IoT devices can roam onto satellite networks when out of cellular range. This innovation has potential applications in transportation, agriculture, maritime, environmental monitoring, and asset tracking.
Verizon e Skylo hanno collaborato per lanciare un servizio di messaggistica commerciale diretto ai dispositivi per i clienti Verizon, fornendo connettività in aree senza copertura cellulare. A partire da questo autunno, alcuni smartphone avranno accesso a messaggi di emergenza e condivisione della posizione tramite satellite. Entro il prossimo anno, Verizon prevede di offrire capacità di messaggistica satellitare ovunque per determinati dispositivi.
Verizon è il primo operatore mobile a livello globale a lanciare la connettività supplementare per smartphone sulla rete satellitare non terrestre di Skylo. Le aziende stanno inoltre collaborando su tecnologie IoT satellitari, dimostrando con successo come i dispositivi IoT abilitati Verizon possano passare alle reti satellitari quando si trovano fuori dalla copertura cellulare. Questa innovazione ha potenziali applicazioni nel trasporto, nell'agricoltura, nel marittimo, nel monitoraggio ambientale e nel tracciamento delle risorse.
Verizon y Skylo se han asociado para lanzar un servicio de mensajería comercial directo al dispositivo para los clientes de Verizon, proporcionando conectividad en áreas sin cobertura celular. A partir de este otoño, algunos teléfonos inteligentes tendrán acceso a mensajes de emergencia y compartición de ubicación a través de satélite. Para el próximo año, Verizon planea ofrecer capacidades de mensajería satelital en cualquier lugar para ciertos dispositivos.
Verizon es el primer operador móvil a nivel mundial en lanzar conectividad suplementaria para teléfonos inteligentes en la red satelital no terrestre de Skylo. Las empresas también están colaborando en tecnología IoT satelital, demostrando con éxito cómo los dispositivos IoT habilitados por Verizon pueden conectarse a redes satelitales cuando están fuera del alcance celular. Esta innovación tiene aplicaciones potenciales en transporte, agricultura, marítimo, monitoreo ambiental y seguimiento de activos.
Verizon과 Skylo는 상업적 디바이스 전용 메시징 서비스를 출시하기 위해 협력하여 Verizon 고객에게 셀룰러 커버리지가 없는 지역에서의 연결을 제공합니다. 이번 가을부터 선택된 스마트폰에서는 위성을 통해 긴급 메시징 및 위치 공유 기능을 이용할 수 있습니다. 내년에는 Verizon이 특정 장치에 대한 어디서든 문자발송 위성 기능을 제공할 계획입니다.
Verizon은 Skylo의 비지상 위성 네트워크에서 스마트폰 추가 연결성을 출시한 전 세계 최초의 모바일 통신사입니다. 두 회사는 또한 위성 IoT 기술에 대해 협력하고 있으며, Verizon이 지원하는 IoT 장치가 셀룰러 범위를 벗어났을 때 위성 네트워크로 전환될 수 있음을 성공적으로 시연했습니다. 이 혁신은 운송, 농업, 해양, 환경 모니터링 및 자산 추적에 응용될 수 있는 잠재력을 가지고 있습니다.
Verizon et Skylo ont établi un partenariat pour lancer un service de messagerie commerciale direct vers les appareils pour les clients de Verizon, offrant une connectivité dans des zones sans couverture cellulaire. À partir de cet automne, certains smartphones auront accès à la messagerie d'urgence et au partage de localisation par satellite. D'ici l'année prochaine, Verizon prévoit d'offrir des capabilités de messagerie satellite partout pour certains appareils.
Verizon est le premier opérateur mobile au monde à lancer une connectivité supplémentaire pour smartphones sur le réseau satellite non terrestre de Skylo. Les entreprises collaborent également sur la technologie IoT par satellite et ont démontré avec succès comment les dispositifs IoT compatibles Verizon peuvent se connecter aux réseaux satellitaires lorsqu'ils sont hors de portée cellulaire. Cette innovation a des applications potentielles dans les domaines des transports, de l'agriculture, maritime, de la surveillance environnementale et du suivi des actifs.
Verizon und Skylo haben eine Partnerschaft geschlossen, um einen kommerziellen Direktnachrichtendienst für Geräte für Verizon-Kunden zu starten, der in Gebieten ohne Mobilfunkabdeckung Konnektivität bietet. Ab diesen Herbst werden ausgewählte Smartphones über Notfallnachrichten und Standortfreigabe per Satellit verfügen. Bis zum nächsten Jahr plant Verizon, Satellitennachrichtendienst ohne Einschränkungen für bestimmte Geräte anzubieten.
Verizon ist der erste Mobilfunkanbieter weltweit, der zusätzliche Smartphone-Konnektivität im nicht-terrestrischen Satellitennetzwerk von Skylo einführt. Die Unternehmen arbeiten auch an satellitengestützter IoT-Technologie und haben erfolgreich demonstriert, wie Verizon-fähige IoT-Geräte in Satellitennetzwerke umschalten können, wenn sie außerhalb der Mobilfunkreichweite sind. Diese Innovation hat potenzielle Anwendungen im Transportwesen, in der Landwirtschaft, im maritimen Bereich, in der Umweltüberwachung und im Asset-Tracking.
- First mobile carrier to launch commercial direct-to-device satellite service
- Expansion of coverage to areas without cellular networks
- Successful demonstration of satellite IoT roaming capability
- Potential for new applications in various industries
- initial availability to select smartphones
- Full text-anywhere capabilities not available until next year
Insights
Verizon's partnership with Skylo marks a significant leap in connectivity solutions, addressing important gaps in cellular coverage. This direct-to-device messaging service enhances Verizon's value proposition, potentially boosting customer retention and acquisition in rural areas. The satellite IoT roaming capability opens new revenue streams in enterprise solutions across various industries.
However, the impact on Verizon's bottom line may be initially. The service's rollout on "certain smartphones" suggests a gradual implementation and full texting capabilities won't be available until next year. The true test will be in the execution and adoption rates, especially considering potential pricing structures and device compatibility issues.
This partnership positions Verizon as an innovator in the U.S. telecom market, being the first to launch a commercial direct-to-device satellite service. It addresses a growing consumer demand for ubiquitous connectivity, potentially giving Verizon an edge over competitors. The move aligns with the global trend of terrestrial-satellite network convergence, exemplified by Apple's Emergency SOS and T-Mobile's collaboration with SpaceX.
The enterprise applications in IoT could be a game-changer, opening up new markets in sectors like agriculture, logistics and environmental monitoring. However, the success will depend on pricing, ease of use and the speed at which Verizon can scale this technology across its customer base and device portfolio.
While this partnership showcases Verizon's commitment to innovation, its immediate financial impact may be modest. The initial rollout focuses on emergency messaging, with full texting capabilities delayed until next year. The real financial potential lies in the enterprise IoT applications, which could drive significant revenue growth if successfully implemented.
Investors should monitor key metrics such as adoption rates, ARPU changes in rural areas and enterprise contract wins leveraging this technology. Capital expenditure for integrating satellite capabilities and potential revenue sharing with Skylo are factors to consider. Overall, this move strengthens Verizon's competitive position but may take time to materially impact financials.
Companies collaborate to launch commercial satellite-based service for consumers and drive technology innovation through first-of-its-kind satellite IoT trial
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Verizon, the nation’s largest wireless network provider, and Skylo, a pioneer in Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communications, have teamed up to launch a commercial direct-to-device messaging service for Verizon customers so they can stay connected wherever they are. Starting this fall, customers on certain smartphones have access to emergency messaging and location sharing even when a terrestrial cellular network is not available. Coming next year, Verizon will offer the ability to text anywhere via satellite for customers with select devices.
“Verizon has been driving innovation in the use of supplemental satellite capabilities for years using satellite connections for cell tower rapid deployments, emergency response and temporary solutions. We are encouraged by the progress being made in satellite to device communications for consumers and are equally excited to be driving technical innovation trials in the space of satellite IoT solutions,” said Srini Kalapala, Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development for Verizon.
Skylo utilizes dedicated, licensed mobile satellite spectrum for connectivity which avoids network interference with terrestrial signals and ensures ubiquitous coverage for customers in rural or rugged areas when low population density, technical challenges, and economic viability make building a cellular network infeasible. Verizon is the first mobile carrier worldwide to commercially launch supplemental smartphone connectivity on Skylo’s non-terrestrial satellite network and the first mobile carrier to launch a commercial direct-to-device service offering.
“Our work with Verizon strengthens our belief in network convergence between satellite and cellular, and now this vision is a reality today for both consumers and enterprises. Satellite access isn’t just about reaching out when you’re in trouble; it’s connectivity for staying in touch with your loved ones wherever they are. We are excited to partner with the carrier known globally for its powerful performance and reliable service as we bring a new level of connectivity from space,” said Parthsarathi Trivedi, CEO & co-founder of Skylo.
Driving future satellite innovations for enterprise customers
Verizon has been a leader in driving IoT offerings in 4G with Narrow Band IoT and driving emerging IoT offerings using RedCap technologies. In collaboration with Skylo, Verizon has engaged in research and development of satellite IoT technology leading to engineers successfully demonstrating how a Verizon-enabled IoT device can roam onto a satellite network when out of range of the terrestrial cellular network providing enhanced geographic coverage for IoT devices.
“Verizon’s network boasts an exceptionally large terrestrial cellular network and covers more than
This satellite IoT roaming capability is particularly critical for IoT and has the potential for numerous applications across various industries, including transportation, agriculture, maritime, environmental monitoring, and asset tracking. For example, in agriculture, satellite IoT can be used to monitor cattle movements, crops, soil quality, and meteorological conditions in remote areas where terrestrial connectivity is not typically needed. In asset tracking, the ability to roam on satellite networks will allow for accurate tracking and condition evaluations in real-time even in the middle of the ocean.
These solutions, which require lower-complexity, low throughput, energy-efficient IoT devices, are ideally suited for the satellite roaming arrangement. In Verizon and Skylo’s recent proof-of-concept, the companies were able to complete a connection using a Verizon enabled IoT cellular device across both Verizon’s cellular network and Skylo’s satellite network, proving the interoperability and demonstrating the value of this seamless roaming capability.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Karen Schulz
864.561.1527
Karen.schulz@verizonwireless.com
FAQ
When will Verizon (VZ) launch its direct-to-device messaging service via satellite?
What types of services will Verizon (VZ) offer through its satellite partnership with Skylo?
How is Verizon (VZ) innovating in satellite IoT technology?
What makes Verizon's (VZ) partnership with Skylo unique in the mobile industry?
