Munich 25-Sep-2023

Skylo Technologies collaborates with Rohde & Schwarz to enhance non-terrestrial network (NTN) testing services

Rohde & Schwarz and Skylo Technologies are collaborating to set up a device acceptance scheme for Skylo’s non-terrestrial network (NTN). The proven device test framework from Rohde & Schwarz will be used to test NTN chipsets, modules and devices to validate their compatibility with the Skylo test specification. This partnership is expected to optimize Skylo’s network performance, reshaping industries worldwide by enabling reliable, ubiquitous connectivity.

Skylo Technologies, a global software-defined non-terrestrial network (NTN) operator, has announced a strategic partnership and ongoing collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz, an international leader in innovative test and measurement solutions. This collaboration aims to reinforce and expand the testing capabilities for NTN, ensuring that chipsets, modules and devices using the NTN NB-IoT protocol integrate seamlessly with Skylo’s network and are 3GPP Release 17 compliant. The two companies will integrate state-of-the-art testing methodologies to guarantee that Skylo's groundbreaking connectivity solutions meet the highest standards of quality and efficiency.

Skylo's NTN is designed to bridge the digital divide by providing reliable and affordable connectivity to under-connected industries, such as agriculture, maritime and logistics. The network leverages advanced satellite and terrestrial technologies to allow real-time data transmission, thereby transforming industries that have previously been limited by a lack of connectivity.

The Rohde & Schwarz NTN device acceptance test framework is built on the market-leading R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester. This framework is the go-to solution for all stages of terrestrial and now non-terrestrial IoT testing, from R&D and GCF/PTCRB certification to carrier acceptance tests. With the powerful R&S CMW500 software stacks, this framework guarantees reliable and repeatable results in a single box, ensuring that the whole ecosystem can achieve the highest levels of performance. It comes with NTN Release 17 features as well as support for different orbits. Customers can leverage their investment in R&S CMW500 testers with a single software update, which enables them to verify NTN NB-IoT as well as legacy NB-IoT devices.

Rohde & Schwarz solutions will play a pivotal role in refining and optimizing NTN connectivity by rigorously testing NTN devices and their ability to work seamlessly in the Skylo network. The partnership will ensure that Skylo's customers receive a superior and uninterrupted connectivity experience.

Dr. Andrew Nuttall, Chief Technology Officer of Skylo Technologies says: "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Rohde & Schwarz, a renowned leader in test and measurement solutions. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing the highest quality non-terrestrial network services to our customers. By joining forces, we are confident in our ability to set new benchmarks for network reliability and performance in remote and underserved regions."

Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz says: "We are excited to work alongside Skylo Technologies to elevate the capabilities of their non-terrestrial network and help define their device acceptance process. Our cutting-edge testing solutions, combined with Skylo's groundbreaking technology, will empower industries across the globe to harness the benefits of reliable and seamless connectivity."

The partnership between Skylo Technologies and Rohde & Schwarz exemplifies the commitment of both companies to advancing technology and connectivity solutions for the benefit of industries and communities worldwide. With a shared vision of pushing the boundaries of innovation, this collaboration is poised to transform the way industries operate in previously hard-to-reach areas.

For more information about Skylo Technologies and its NTN solutions, visit www.skylo.tech. To learn more about NTN testing solutions from Rohde & Schwarz, visit https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/solutions/test-and-measurement/wireless-communication/cellular-standards/5g-test-and-measurement/non-terrestrial-networks-ntn-/ntn-device-testing_256813.html

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Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz is striving for a safer and connected world with its Test & Measurement, Technology Systems and Networks & Cybersecurity Divisions. For 90 years, the global technology group has pushed technical boundaries with developments in cutting-edge technologies. The company's leading-edge products and solutions empower industrial, regulatory and government customers to attain technological and digital sovereignty. The privately owned, Munich based company can act independently, long-term and sustainably. Rohde & Schwarz generated net revenue of EUR 2.78 billion in the 2022/2023 fiscal year (July to June). On June 30, 2023, Rohde & Schwarz had around 13,800 employees worldwide.

R&S® is a registered trademark of Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG.

Skylo Technologies

Skylo Technologies is an NTN service provider based in Mountain View, CA, offering a service that allows cellular modems and devices to connect directly over existing satellites. Devices connected over satellite are managed and served by Skylo’s commercial NTN vRAN, featuring a 3GPP standards-based cloud-native base station and core. Skylo works with existing satellite operators, terrestrial mobile network operators, and device makers to provide subscribers an anywhere, anytime connectivity solution that seamlessly roams between terrestrial and satellite networks. Skylo’s focus is on enabling connected services for people outdoors and connected workflows for machines at work across critical industries such as agriculture, maritime, logistics, mining, and others, in addition to mass-market consumer devices. For more information, visit www.skylo.tech, contact info@skylo.tech, or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.