Introduction
Skylo offers a global satellite-based NB-NTN network service that adheres to 3GPP standards.This service allows for smooth hybrid cellular/satellite device connectivity, catering to Consumer,IoT, and Automotive applications. Device manufacturers and cellular solution providers canleverage Skylo's network to expand their existing cellular solutions to include satellite coveragesimply by updating their firmware. This ensures "always-on" hybrid cellular/satellite connectivitywherever devices have an unobstructed view of the sky.
This document offers device manufacturers guidance on Skylo-specific requirements, usage policies, and best practices to ensure optimal device performance on Skylo's satellite network.
- Requirements: These ensure device compatibility with Skylo's systems.
- Policies: These outline usage limits and behavior patterns necessary for maintaining acceptable performance levels for all Skylo customers.
- Best Practices: These offer suggestions for device configuration and application design to optimize the use of the Skylo network, leading to the best possible user experience.
2.0 High-Level Skylo Certification Requirements
2.1 Radio Frequency Operating
Skylo's satellite network utilizes various satellite and spectrum configurations, including Bands23, 255, and 256, as detailed in Table 1. These services are deployed globally via geostationary satellites. Full certification on Skylo's network requires device compatibility with all three bands.Devices intended for use in specific geographic regions may qualify for limited certification.
2.2 Chipset Requirements
To function on Skylo's NB-NTN satellite network service, a device must have a Skylo-certified NB-NTN modem chipset or module. The chipset should, at a minimum, support Rel-14 and include specific Skylo Identified Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) features from Rel-17.
For a comprehensive list of Skylo-certified chipsets, modules, and devices, please visit our website or reach out to us at [email protected].
https://www.skylo.tech/skylo-certification-program
2.3 Skylo Specific Radiated Power and Receiver Sensitivity
Devices must meet the Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) thresholds outlined in table 2 or table 3 to be certified on Skylo's network. Devices are classified as Type 1 or Type 2 based on their TIS/TRP performance. Type 1 devices, typically fixed asset monitors or industrial asset trackers, have higher performing RF systems. Type 2 devices, such as consumer electronics like mobile handsets or wearables, have lower performing RF systems.Both device types can access the Skylo network. However, service pricing may depend on the device type certification.
2.3.1 TIS/TRP Requirements
Total Radiated Power (TRP) and Total Isotropic Sensitivity (TIS) testing methodologies should adhere to the specifications outlined in 3GPP TR 37.902. These tests need to be conducted at the upper and lower band edges, as well as the midpoints, for both the L-band and S-band NTN frequencies.
https://portal.3gpp.org/desktopmodules/Specifications/SpecificationDetails.aspx?specificationId=2635
Type 1 NB-IoT Requirements: Free Space
Type 2 NB-IoT Requirements: Free Space
2.3.2 EIS/EIRP Requirements for Guided Devices with Display and Satellite Pointing Capabilities
Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) and Effective Isotropic Sensitivity (EIS) testing methodologies should adhere to the specifications outlined in 3GPP TR 37.902. These tests need to be conducted at the upper and lower band edges, as well as the midpoints, for both the L-band and S-band NTN frequencies.
Type 1 NB-IoT Requirements: Free Space
Note 1: Required SKYLO TRP numbers are as mentioned in the above section TRP/TIS for all the required bands and channels for Type 1 devices.
Note 2: “Main lobe” refers to the +/- 15 deg lobe around max EIRP direction.
Type 2 NB-IoT Requirements: Free Space
Note 3: Required SKYLO TRP numbers are as mentioned in the above section TRP/TIS for all the required bands and channels for Type 2 devices.
2.4 Functional & Performance Requirements
2.4.1 Location Information Access
Accurate geolocation is essential for maintaining effective NTN modem connectivity, unlike terrestrial NB-IOT. While a stationary device only needs an initial fix, a moving device requires frequent updates to ensure link stability.
The device must provide the modem with location data (either proactively or upon request) with an accuracy of 95% CEP ≤ 500m. For mobile devices, using a GNSS capability (integrated or external) is highly recommended. If external, the device's host application must be able to relay GNSS location information to the NB-IoT modem via AT-command or another suitable interface.
2.4.2 Network Switching between NTN and Terrestrial (Dual-mode) Devices
Devices capable of operating in both NTN and Terrestrial modes should intelligently switch between networks to optimize performance. In urban areas or indoors, where terrestrial connectivity is typically available, the device should prioritize terrestrial networks. Therefore, all dual-mode devices must implement the following switching algorithm.
- Upon startup, if terrestrial is available, the device shall use terrestrial - otherwise use NTN.
- If terrestrial becomes unavailable, the devices shall switch to NTN.
- While on NTN, if terrestrial again becomes available, the device shall switch back to terrestrial
- For a device with a dedicated antenna, the device shall monitor constantly for terrestrial network availability and switch back immediately when a viable network is detected.
- For a device where the antenna is shared, the device shall check for terrestrial no less often than once every 10 minutes, or message periodicity is longer, immediately prior to the next message
2.4.3 SIM
The device shall support the use of a physical SIM or embedded SIM (eSIM) or Integrated SIM (iSIM).
- The SIM profile shall be one of the following:
- A Skylo-provided profile, either on a dedicated Skylo SIM or as a secondary profile on a partner SIM; or,
- A profile from a Skylo partner having an active roaming arrangement with Skylo
2.4.4 Attach Behavior
Capacity on the satellite network is scarce compared to the terrestrial network. A single attach messaging sequence uses much more capacity than a single payload message. For this reason, it is necessary for devices that work on the satellite network to minimize the overhead associated with multiple attach/detach activity.
- The device shall never send a detach command to the modem
- The device shall not power off the modem while the device is powered
2.4.5 User Guidance
Device shall be capable of providing the user or installer with guidance that will help to find a position that optimizes link quality. This is applicable to devices with display and satellite pointing capabilities.
2.4.6 Functionality
- The device shall pass the basic data usage functionality test cases (ability to send and receive data over the satellite network).
- The device shall pass the basic roaming usage test cases (if applicable).
- The device shall pass the data transmission efficiency test cases.
2.4 Industry Certification
UEs must, at a minimum, be certified by the GCF or PTCRB for NTN functionality. Cellular operator requirements for the TN part must be met directly by OEMs. This certification program, created by leading wireless operators, defines test specifications and processes to ensure device interoperability on global wireless networks. PTCRB/GCF certification gives operators and device manufacturers confidence in a device's interoperability with member mobile networks. Testing and certification are performed by PTCRB/GCF approved labs. Visit https://www.ptcrb.com/ for more information.
See also: https://www.ptcrb.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/10_Steps_to_PTCRB_Cert_for_Cell_Enabled_IoT_Devices-V2.pdf
3.0 Regulatory Licensing and Certifications
This section is for information purposes only and is not intended to provide any legal opinion or regulatory counsel on the topic of FCC licensing in the United States.
This section details FCC, CE(RED), and other international regulations relevant to portable mobile earth terminal (MET) devices offering mobile satellite service (MSS). It outlines the standards and specifications that devices must comply with to achieve NTN functionality certification from third-party test houses (SGS in San Diego, Taiwan, and China; Sporton in Taiwan). All devices and modules undergo testing across all supported sub-carriers, including the first and last sub-carriers in each channel.
3.1 FCC Compliance
The device/module shall demonstrate FCC compliance/grant to use NTN functionality per FCC - PART 25 - SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS standard.
- FCC - PART 25 - SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
- https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-47/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-25
The following guidelines will help clarify bandwidth test requirements.
- NB-IoT as a protocol is defined as 180 KHz with 10 kHz padding on each side representing a total allocation of 200 kHz.
- Skylo deploys NB-IoT channels over the air with a 200 kHz spacing between channel centers.
- Skylo has a public FCC license in the US to operate this service. As part of this license a "Necessary Bandwidth" is defined.
- The "Necessary Bandwidth" from Skylo's license is the value that should be used to evaluate the OOB test criteria.
- Skylo's FCC license has multiple listed "Necessary Bandwidths" but the relevant one for most of the projects is 230 kHz
- All of Skylo's FCC licensed values are in the Compliance Matrix that we share under the "Emission Designator" tab and is also provided below under device classification section.
- Please note that the Skylo authorized bandwidth is equal to the necessary bandwidth.
3.1.1 Device Classification
Table 4 lists the device classes. The device should be assigned to the device class that most closely matches its parameters. However, the device's parameters must not exceed the maximum values specified for the chosen device class.
Emission Designator Reference: https://fccid.io/Emissions-Designator/
3.2 CE(RED) Compliance
The device/module shall demonstrate CE compliance/grant to use NTN functionality per ETSI standard: EN 301 681 , EN 302 574 (Part 3), and EN 301 489.
- EN 301 681 - Harmonised Standard for Mobile Earth Stations (MES) of Geostationary mobile satellite systems, including handheld earth stations, for Satellite Personal Communications Networks (S-PCN) under the Mobile Satellite Service (MSS), operating in the 1,5 GHz and 1,6 GHz
- https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/301600_301699/301681/02.01.02_60/en_301681v020102p.pdf
- EN 302 574 (Part 3) - Harmonised Standard for Mobile Earth Stations (MES) operating in the 1 980 MHz to 2 010 MHz (earth-to-space) and 2 170 MHz to 2 200 MHz (space-to-earth) frequency bands Part 3: User Equipment (UE) for narrowband systems
- https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/302500_302599/30257403/02.01.01_60/en_30257403v020101p.pdf
- EN 301 489 - Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) standard for radio equipment and services; Part 20: Specific conditions for Mobile Earth Stations (MES) used in the Mobile Satellite Services (MSS)
- https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/301400_301499/30148920/02.01.02_20/en_30148920v020102a.pdf
3.3 Rest of the World
The device/module shall demonstrate regulatory compliance/grant to use NTN functionality per the respective regulatory authority of each country/region where the device is to be deployed (e.g., ANATEL Brazil, TELEC Japan). For Brazil and the rest, please see the CM for details. The device/module must demonstrate regulatory compliance to use NTN functionality in accordance with the regulatory authority of each country/region where it will be marketed (e.g., ANATEL in Brazil, TELEC in Japan). For further details regarding Brazil and other regions, please refer to the CM.
4.0 Skylo Certification Process- A Quick Start Guide
The Skylo certification program includes:
4.1 NDA & Certification Agreement (CA)
Skylo certification requires completion of NDA and Certification Contract/Agreement beforehand.
4.2 Skylo Certification Requirements Compliance Matrix (CM)
The CM, encompassing Skylo-specific, regulatory, and industry requirements, is filled out by OEMs and then jointly reviewed with Skylo to finalize implementation details. Implementation typically commences once the CM is finalized.
4.3 Skylo Specific Testing (Test Specs V5.1.0 or later)
4.3.1 Interoperability
Interoperability(IOT/IODT) testing is conducted in a controlled environment against Skylo network infrastructure at the Mountain View location to ensure compatibility and seamless communication. It is primarily required for chipsets and is leveraged to modules and devices.
4.3.2 Skylo Performance and Stability Test Specification
Performance and stability test play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and performance of devices operating in a Skylo network. These tests assess specific performance metrics under different conditions.
- Performance tests evaluate specific performance aspects of the device within a shorter time frame. Examples include Attach Time (under different SINR conditions and with or without stored EARFCN), Maximum RRC Connected Duration, and DL/UL Data Success rates and Radio Link Failure. These tests focus on measuring metrics like attach time, data transfer, and error rates under various conditions.
- Stability tests assess the stability of a device's connection and data transfer over an extended period. Examples include Attach/Detach Stability and UL/DL NIDD (Non-IP Data Delivery) Stability. In these tests, parameters like MCS (Modulation and Coding Scheme) and SINR (Signal-to-Interference-plus-Noise Ratio) are configured, and the device's ability to maintain a connection and successfully transfer data is monitored overtime.
R&S, Keysight, and Anritsu(In progress) have implemented performance and Stability test cases). These test cases are executed by the OEMs at the 3rd party test house (SGS - San Diego, Taiwan, and China locations and Sporton - Taiwan) for Skylo certification.
4.4 Field Testing
Field testing of Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) devices involves evaluating their performance in real-world environments, particularly focusing on their ability to communicate via satellites. This type of testing is crucial for ensuring that Skylo enabled NTN devices, which include IoT, smartphones, wearables, and other mobile devices, can reliably connect and operate in various conditions. Here are some key aspects of the Skylo field testing for NTN devices:
- Connectivity and Performance Testing: Assessing how well the device maintains a connection with GSO satellites, including signal strength, NIDD data transfer, and latency.
- Gathering feedback from real friendly users to identify any usability issues and ensure the device meets consumer expectations in real-world scenarios.
- OEMs conduct field tests in Skylo commercial environments globally where the Skylo network is accessible. Since Skylo service is widely available, there isn't a set test route. To confirm KPIs, Skylo captures BS traces. OEMs must provide IMSIs, test case start and stop times, time zone, and the PCI being tested.
- Field test cases are described in the Skylo Certification Test Specs V5.1.0 or later. OEMs must execute the test cases specified in the latest version of the test specification.
4.5 Skylo Specific OTA (TIS/TRP -EIS/EIRP) Testing
Skylo Specific OTA (TIS/TRP -EIS/EIRP) testing involves evaluating the performance of NTN devices in a simulated laboratory environment to ensure they meet the Skylo OTA requirements for GSO satellite communication. The emphasis is on the Transmit and Receive performance which involves measuring the efficiency of the device’s antenna in transmitting and receiving signals. These tests are conducted to ensure the device can maintain reliable communication with satellites.
The testing is conducted by OEMs at CTIA OTA-approved test houses like Sporton, UL, and SGS. The test reports are provided to Skylo.
4.6 Regulatory Compliance Testing
Regulatory testing ensures that satellite communication devices comply with various national, international, and industry-specific regulations. These testing are essential for obtaining the necessary certifications and licenses to operate legally and safely. These tests help ensure that satellite devices can operate effectively without causing interference or safety issues, facilitating their successful deployment and operation.Testing is conducted at regulatory approved labs, with reports and grants shared with Skylo.
4.7 Industry Certification
Industry Certification GCF/PTCRB ensures NTN devices meet industry standards for performance, safety, and interoperability. Skylo accepts the GCF or PTCRB reports from any GCF/PTCRB authorized 3rd party test labs.
- NTN part of GCF or PTCRB: Required for NTN devices starting with Skylo CM 2.0 or later.
- OEMs are responsible to fulfill the TN operators GCF/PTCRB requirements directly if applicable.
4.8 Spot-Checks Testing
Spot-Checks are performed on the final software & hardware to ensure the overall quality and functionality of the device before it is released. It helps to identify any potential issues that may have been missed during previous testing phases.
- Skylo randomly selects and executes test cases from the latest specifications on final device SW/HW at the Skylo lab.
- Any issues uncovered are shared with OEMs, including logs, for resolution.
4.9 IMEI TAC
Skylo requires all OEMs to provide IMEI TAC or range(s) for each model of their devices.
4.10 Brief Summary of the Skylo Certification Quick Start Guide
The table outlines certification requirements for different device types (Device, Module, Integrated Device).
