Skylo and Flex: Satellite technology enables Flex IoT solutions to reach new heights

Traditional analog industries like agriculture, maritime, mining, utilities and construction are rapidly being digitized and connected. Cellular subscriptions to add IoT connectivity are up 50% year-over-year as they look to connect automotive, industrial and consumer segments, experts predict there will be 25 billion devices in use by 2030.

Flex, a global diversified premium manufacturing partner, is making it possible for companies to quickly add a connected IoT solution to their business through their iENBL hardware configuration. That means any object can be turned into a connected and intelligent device including stationary objects like utility poles or weather stations and moving objects like long-haul trucks or excavators.

THE CHALLENGE:

Reliance on Cell Towers Alone Leaves Huge Gaps in Coverage

A sensor’s usefulness is only as good as its ability to be connected. Reliance on cell towers or Wi-Fi can leave huge gaps in coverage. That's because 93% of the world’s people are within range of a cell tower, but only 30% of the Earth's geography can receive a cell signal. These gaps in connectivity translate to missed opportunities to track freight, connect emergency alerts, monitor and control temperature-sensitive shipments and optimize resources.

THE SOLUTION:

Satellite Connectivity Allows Flex Customers Truly Global Coverage

A routine firmware update to iENBL can add satellite connectivity and eliminate geographic gaps in cellular coverage. Skylo was founded around the technological breakthrough of being able to upgrade standard cellular NB-IoT chipsets to be able to communicate over satellite. This firmware update makes it possible for data to be communicated over Skylo’s satellite network for objects that are outside of cellular coverage, enabling solutions where terrestrial connectivity cannot be assured.

Seamless Coverage Between Cellular and Satellite Networks

Skylo’s firmware update for the Flex iENBL hardware configuration automatically optimizes whether data is transmitted via cellular or satellite network and connectivity can seamlessly switch between the two. The end user – whether it’s a shipping company moving temperature-sensitive medications, or a utility company that needs to send and receive timely emergency alerts – can rely on uninterrupted coverage.

Affordable Satellite Connectivity

With the combination of Skylo firmware update and hardware manufactured by Flex, companies can achieve seamless coverage and ultra low-cost connectivity. Skylo’s satellite network, from its proprietary Base Stations to its satellite bandwidth, ensures ease of connection and reliability of service. Skylo partners with global Mobile Operators, so subscribers can continue to receive a single bill from their service provider.

• Asset Tracking: Track shipments, enable anti-theft defences, monitor equipment usage, and more
• Emergency Alerts: Trigger an alarm and precisely diagnose the location of an emergency like a fire, flood, landslide, or gas leak
• Modernize Traditional Industries: Sensors bring IOT into day-to-day business and generate valuable data that informs actions, such as agriculture sensors that measure and deploy precise soil nutrient or watering needs
• Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulations like labor laws, maintenance records, food shipments, and temperature-sensitive shipments
• Climate-Friendly Practices: Leverage real-time data to optimize and conserve power or water usage

Watch How Skylo Powers Extended Connectivity for the iENBL

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