Cubic Telecom, a global leader in software-defined vehicle (SDV) solutions, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Skylo Technologies, a pioneer in non-terrestrial network (NTN) communications. This collaboration integrates Skylo’s satellite network capabilities with Cubic’s connectivity solutions, significantly enhancing the reach and reliability of vehicle communication systems worldwide.
The partnership aims to extend Cubic’s industry-leading services, currently connecting over 21 million vehicles in more than 190 countries, to include Skylo’s NTN technology. With this integration, Cubic’s solutions will support standards-based Narrowband-NTN (NB-NTN) chipsets and an efficient messaging protocol, enabling seamless communication across cellular and satellite networks. This advancement ensures uninterrupted connectivity for critical vehicle functions such as location tracking, remote diagnostics, vehicle unlocking, and emergency communication.
Enhancing Emergency Communication and Safety
One of the key drivers of this collaboration is the focus on improving emergency communication capabilities. Satellite networks offer unparalleled reliability and coverage, especially in areas where cellular networks fall short. This ensures real-time communication in critical situations, such as emergencies, disaster response, and remote location incidents.
“By integrating Skylo’s NTN capabilities with our software-defined vehicle solutions, we are elevating critical vehicle communications to new heights of energy efficiency, smart technology integration, and robust security,” said Barry Napier, CEO of Cubic Telecom. “This collaboration allows us to optimize energy usage through intelligent network management, harness cutting-edge smart technologies for seamless connectivity, and reinforce security measures to protect data and communications. Our commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability ensures customers can rely on secure connectivity whether on the road or in remote areas—especially during emergency situations.”
Benefits for Automotive OEMs
Skylo’s NTN technology enables automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to bridge the gap between satellite and cellular networks efficiently. This capability is crucial for supporting remote vehicle monitoring, control, roadside assistance, and emergency messaging.
“Skylo’s partnership with Cubic is a key enabler for OEMs to seamlessly bridge satellite and cellular networks for remote vehicle monitoring and control, emergency messaging, and roadside assistance in a cost-efficient way, with service that’s live and available today,” said Parthsarathi Trivedi, Co-Founder and CEO of Skylo.
The collaboration provides OEMs with predictability and reliability in integrating satellite connectivity into their long-term product roadmaps. By leveraging a standards-based solution, OEMs can confidently plan and implement advanced communication features in their vehicles without compromising on cost or performance.
Leveraging Licensed MSS Spectrum
Skylo’s satellite network operates using dedicated, licensed mobile satellite service (MSS) spectrum within globally allocated satellite frequency bands. This approach provides uninterrupted and continuous coverage, particularly in rural and remote areas. Unlike shared-spectrum models that can result in network interference, Skylo’s solution preserves the integrity of both satellite and cellular networks.
The use of MSS spectrum eliminates the need for exclusion zones and addresses micro-holes in cellular coverage, offering an additional layer of connectivity assurance. This feature is especially valuable for regions where traditional cellular networks are either unavailable or unreliable, enhancing the overall user experience and vehicle functionality.
A Step Forward for Connectivity and Innovation
This partnership underscores the growing importance of integrating satellite capabilities into connected vehicle systems. As vehicles become more advanced and the demand for always-on connectivity rises, the ability to switch seamlessly between cellular and satellite networks will become a critical feature.
The collaboration between Cubic Telecom and Skylo Technologies marks a significant milestone in advancing vehicle communication technologies. By combining Cubic’s expertise in software-defined vehicle solutions with Skylo’s cutting-edge NTN technology, this partnership promises to deliver unparalleled connectivity, reliability, and safety for automotive users worldwide.
With these advancements, the future of connected vehicles is not only more reliable but also more inclusive, ensuring seamless communication even in the most remote corners of the globe. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships like this set a benchmark for innovation and global connectivity in transportation.
