IoT satellite connectivity for global coverage: the complete guide

IoT is no longer limited to cities, factories, or areas with dense mobile coverage. Enterprises now deploy connected devices across remote regions, oceans, borders, and disaster-prone zones. 

As deployments scale globally, connectivity becomes the defining constraint. This is where IoT satellite connectivity becomes essential.

Satellite IoT is not a replacement for cellular networks. It is an extension. It ensures devices remain connected when terrestrial networks are unavailable, unreliable, or temporarily down. For global IoT use cases, continuity matters.

Through its partnership with Skylo, BICS integrates satellite connectivity directly into its existing IoT services. The result is a standards-based approach that aligns satellite with cellular, rather than treating it as a separate technology stack.

Instead of bespoke satellite hardware or proprietary platforms, enterprises can now rely on familiar cellular IoT technologies. 

Devices use standard NB-IoT modules with a simple firmware upgrade, regular SIMs, and a single connectivity architecture. Satellite becomes part of the same global mobile ecosystem.

As IoT deployments expand across borders and environments, connectivity expectations have changed. 

Enterprises now design solutions assuming devices will operate beyond the reach of traditional networks. Satellite IoT has moved from a niche fallback to a core part of global IoT strategies.

These shifts are driven by both network limitations and evolving enterprise requirements.

Terrestrial mobile networks are built for population density. They perform well in cities and industrial zones. They struggle in remote, rural, offshore, or cross-border areas.

You can see coverage gaps appear in:

• Agricultural regions
• Energy and utility sites
• Oceans and coastlines
• Remote infrastructure corridors

Even in developed markets, networks can fail during disasters or outages. When that happens, IoT devices lose visibility. For global deployments, this creates operational risk.

IoT use cases increasingly demand always-on connectivity. Asset tracking, infrastructure monitoring, agriculture, and emergency response all depend on consistent data flow.

The satellite IoT addresses this need by extending coverage beyond the reach of cellular networks. 

It enables connectivity in underserved areas, during network outages, and across vast geographic regions. What has changed is how satellite IoT is delivered.

Rather than deploying standalone satellite solutions, BICS integrates satellite connectivity into its global mobile core. 

Through Skylo, satellite becomes another access network within the cellular IoT architecture.

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Devices connect terrestrially where possible. When cellular coverage is unavailable, they fall back to satellite using NB-IoT. The transition happens without changing hardware, SIMs, or platforms.

This approach moves satellite IoT from a niche add-on to a practical, scalable connectivity layer. 

It supports global expansion without adding complexity, making satellite IoT a natural fit for modern enterprise deployments.

Satellite IoT has existed for years, but early implementations were not designed for large-scale IoT deployments. 

What is changing now is the convergence of satellite and cellular technologies under shared standards. This shift is enabling direct, seamless connectivity using familiar mobile IoT building blocks.

Legacy satellite IoT solutions were built as standalone systems. They relied on proprietary hardware, custom protocols, and closed service platforms.

Devices required dedicated satellite modems and specialised antennas. This created friction.

This introduced several constraints:

• High device and integration costs
• Limited interoperability
• Separate platforms and workflows
• Complex billing and operations

These solutions worked for narrow use cases. They did not scale for mass IoT deployments.

Enterprise expectations have changed. Today, IoT teams want satellite connectivity to behave like cellular connectivity. 

They expect:

• Standard IoT modules
• Regular SIMs or eSIMs
• Familiar network behaviour
• Seamless roaming and billing

Direct device-to-satellite connectivity answers this demand. 

Devices communicate directly with satellites using cellular IoT protocols, without gateways or proprietary layers. From an application perspective, a satellite becomes just another access network.

Standardisation enables this transition. With 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Network specifications, satellite is now part of the cellular roadmap. Release 17 enables NB-IoT to operate over satellite links.

This allows satellite connectivity to integrate with:

• Global mobile core networks
• IoT platforms
• Roaming frameworks
• Operator-grade billing systems

The BICS–Skylo solution is built on this standards-based foundation. Satellite IoT is no longer bespoke. It is cellular IoT, extended globally.

Satellite IoT only becomes scalable when it follows mobile standards. Proprietary approaches limit interoperability and increase cost. 

Standards-based satellite IoT removes these barriers and aligns satellite with the cellular ecosystem. This is the foundation of the BICS–Skylo solution.

The 3GPP introduced Non-Terrestrial Networks to integrate satellites into cellular architectures. NTN defines how devices, satellites, and mobile cores interact using familiar cellular protocols.

The BICS–Skylo solution is fully aligned with:

• 3GPP NTN specifications
• GSMA roaming standards
• Operator-grade roaming and billing models

Satellite connectivity behaves like a cellular access network. It is not treated as a separate system.

3GPP Release 17 is a turning point for satellite IoT. It extends NB-IoT to operate over satellite links, enabling direct device-to-satellite communication.

With Rel-17:

• Devices use standard NB-IoT modules
• Firmware enables satellite access
• No proprietary radio stack is required

Skylo supports direct device-to-satellite NB-IoT using Rel-17 firmware. 

Devices connect directly to satellites without gateways, while remaining compatible with terrestrial NB-IoT networks. The same hardware works across both environments.

Standards remove friction at every stage of deployment. They simplify hardware design, network integration, and long-term operations.

For enterprises, this translates into:

• One device design for global use
• One SIM or eSIM across networks
• One connectivity platform to manage

For operators, it enables:

• Predictable roaming behaviour
• GSMA-aligned billing
• Scalable global rollout

Scaling becomes faster and more cost-efficient. Network control remains intact. 

Spectrum choice plays a major role in satellite IoT scalability. Skylo operates using Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) spectrum rather than terrestrial carrier spectrum. This model offers clear advantages. MSS spectrum:

• Does not depend on local MNO spectrum agreements
• Supports coverage across oceans and remote regions
• Reduces deployment complexity in underserved areas

Landing rights are still required, but the regulatory model is consistent. This enables faster market entry compared to carrier-spectrum-based satellite approaches.

Skylo currently delivers NB-IoT connectivity over GEO satellites. A small number of GEO satellites can provide wide geographic coverage, enabling faster global deployment and longer satellite lifespans.

At the same time, the architecture remains future-ready. Skylo’s software-defined satellite network can integrate additional orbit types, including LEO, as standards and business cases evolve.

This ensures BICS can support today’s enterprise requirements while preparing for the next phase of satellite IoT evolution.

Standards-based satellite IoT follows the same core principles as cellular IoT. The difference lies in the access network, not the service architecture. Satellite becomes another connectivity path within the mobile ecosystem.

Devices use NB-IoT modules with Release 17 firmware. When satellite connectivity is required, the device establishes a direct link with the satellite. There is no gateway layer. There is no protocol translation. From the device perspective, the network still behaves like cellular NB-IoT.

NB-IoT is well-suited for satellite use cases. It is designed for:

• Low data volumes
• Infrequent transmissions
• Power-efficient operation

These characteristics align with satellite constraints such as latency and link budgets. 

NB-IoT enables reliable communication without excessive power consumption. This makes it suitable for remote and long-lifecycle IoT deployments in areas outside of terrestrial network and without access to a reliable power source (agriculture, pipeline monitoring, etc.)

Once data reaches the satellite ground infrastructure, it is routed into the global mobile core. From there, traffic follows standard cellular paths.

This includes: 

• Authentication through mobile core functions
• Policy and session management 
• Integration with IoT platforms, portals, and APIs

From an enterprise perspective, satellite-originated data is handled exactly like cellular data. Existing systems do not need modification. This is what enables satellite IoT to scale without operational disruption.

Pure satellite connectivity is rarely the optimal default for IoT. Cellular networks remain the most efficient option where coverage exists.

The real value comes from combining both into a single, intelligent connectivity model. This is why hybrid connectivity is becoming the preferred approach for global IoT deployments. 

Hybrid models allow devices to use cellular networks first and fall back to satellite only when required. This preserves efficiency and guarantees coverage, while avoiding unnecessary satellite usage and keeping operational costs lower by leveraging terrestrial networks wherever possible.

Most IoT deployments spend the majority of their time within terrestrial coverage. Using a satellite continuously would increase cost and power consumption without adding value.

Hybrid connectivity solves this by selectively using satellite. Enterprises benefit from:

• Lower connectivity costs
• Reduced power usage
• Longer device lifecycles
• Predictable network behaviour

The satellite is used only when cellular service is unavailable or unreliable.

Skylo enables a hybrid model built around cellular‑first logic by working closely with module manufacturers to ensure this capability is embedded directly into their products. Devices are designed to prioritise terrestrial networks and fall back to satellite only when required.

Because this logic is implemented at the device and module level, rather than in the application layer, connectivity decisions happen automatically, without manual intervention or application changes. The satellite layer integrates directly with the mobile core, ensuring seamless operational continuity when terrestrial coverage is unavailable.

Devices follow a simple connectivity sequence:

• Search for available terrestrial networks
• Attach to cellular NB-IoT or LTE-M
• Monitor connectivity status
• Fall back to satellite when coverage is lost

When cellular coverage returns, devices can switch back automatically. This ensures the satellite is used only when it adds value.

Hybrid connectivity is configurable. Devices can be set to trigger satellite access based on defined conditions.

Common configuration options include:

• Immediate satellite fallback when cellular fails
• Satellite activation after a defined time window
• Scheduled satellite check-ins for resilience

For example, a device may attempt cellular connectivity for 24 hours. If unsuccessful, it switches to NB-IoT over satellite to transmit critical data. This approach balances reliability with cost control.

One of the strongest advantages of the BICS–Skylo solution is hardware simplicity. Devices use:

• Standard NB-IoT modules
• Regular SIMs or eSIMs
• Release 17 firmware

There is no need for separate satellite devices. There is no need for multiple SKUs. The same hardware supports both cellular and satellite connectivity.

Through BICS, both connectivity paths are managed through a single mobile core, with unified roaming, billing, and APIs.

Satellite IoT performance depends heavily on orbital design. Different satellite orbits offer different trade-offs in coverage, latency, cost, and deployment speed. 

Understanding these differences is essential when designing scalable IoT connectivity. Modern satellite IoT strategies balance today’s operational needs with future flexibility.

Satellite IoT primarily relies on two orbit types. Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Each serves a different purpose.

• GEO satellites orbit at a fixed position relative to Earth. A small number of satellites can cover large geographic areas. This makes GEO suitable for rapid global coverage.
• LEO satellites orbit much closer to Earth. They provide lower latency and stronger signals but require large constellations to achieve global coverage.

Both approaches play a role in the evolving satellite IoT landscape.

For most IoT use cases, latency is not the primary constraint. Coverage, reliability, and cost efficiency matter more.

NB-IoT applications typically involve small data volumes and infrequent transmissions. 

They are designed to tolerate higher latency. This makes GEO satellites well-suited for IoT connectivity today.

The GEO enables:

• Faster time to market thanks to quicker global availability without waiting for full constellation build‑out
• Global reach with a limited number of satellites reducing dependence on dense, multi‑satellite architectures
• Lower deployment and operational complexity with fewer satellites to manage and no need for frequent satellite handovers
• Long‑term infrastructure stability supported by satellite lifespans of ~15 years (often extended beyond 20 years)

These characteristics align well with enterprise IoT requirements.

Skylo operates a GEO-based satellite network designed for direct NB-IoT connectivity. Its constellation of seven GEO satellites delivers wide-area coverage across multiple regions.

This model supports:

• Remote and underserved locations
• Disaster recovery scenarios

The use of Mobile Satellite Service spectrum further extends reach into areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.

While GEO satellites address current IoT needs, satellite technology continues to evolve. Future use cases may benefit from additional orbit types as standards mature.

Skylo’s architecture is software-defined. This allows integration with other satellite orbits, including LEO, when commercially and technically viable.

Through this approach, BICS supports immediate global IoT coverage while remaining prepared for future satellite evolution. 

Enterprises can deploy today without locking themselves into a single orbital strategy.

Satellite IoT adoption is driven by practical business needs, not experimentation. 

Enterprises want predictable connectivity, simple operations, and the ability to scale globally without redesigning devices or platforms. Standards-based satellite IoT delivers these outcomes.

• Built-in reliability and resilience: Satellite acts as a fallback when cellular networks fail. Connectivity continues during outages, disasters, or infrastructure downtime.
  
• One device design, everywhere: Enterprises use standard NB-IoT modules with the same hardware. Firmware enables satellite access. No dedicated satellite devices are needed.
  
• Single SIM and unified connectivity: Devices operate with one SIM or eSIM. Cellular and satellite connectivity run through the same mobile core and management platform.
  
• Lower operational complexity: Satellite integrates into existing IoT workflows. There are no parallel platforms, contracts, or billing systems to manage.
  
• Faster global deployment: Coverage is available without waiting for terrestrial rollout. New regions can be activated with minimal lead time.
  
• Future-ready architecture: Standards-based connectivity supports long-term evolution. GEO works today. LEO integration remains possible as standards mature.

Satellite IoT is best suited for use cases where coverage gaps create operational risk. It complements cellular connectivity in environments where networks are unavailable, unreliable, or temporary.

Assets often move beyond terrestrial coverage. This includes cross-border routes, rural areas, and offshore zones. Satellite IoT ensures location and status data remain available even when cellular networks drop.

Energy sites and utility infrastructure are frequently located in isolated areas. Connectivity loss can delay fault detection and increase operational risk. Satellite IoT provides continuous monitoring where terrestrial networks cannot reach.

Large agricultural areas often lack consistent cellular coverage. Satellite IoT supports the monitoring of equipment, land conditions, and environmental data across wide geographies.

Cellular networks do not extend across oceans. Satellite IoT enables connectivity for vessels, offshore assets, and coastal operations, ensuring data flow beyond shoreline limits.

Natural disasters can disrupt terrestrial networks. Satellite IoT maintains connectivity when it is most needed, supporting situational awareness and rapid response.

Satellite IoT success depends on more than coverage. Enterprises must account for bandwidth limits, power usage, certification requirements, and regulatory models. Standards-based satellite IoT simplifies these factors but does not remove them.

• Designed for low bandwidth and low power

Satellite IoT is optimised for small data volumes. NB-IoT supports infrequent transmissions and lightweight payloads. This keeps power consumption low and extends device lifespan.

Devices are not designed for continuous data streams. They are designed for reliability.

• Predictable cost models and usage control

Satellite connectivity is used selectively, not continuously. Hybrid connectivity ensures the satellite is only activated when cellular networks are unavailable.

This allows:

• Controlled data usage
• Predictable operating costs
• Better alignment with IoT business cases
  

Usage policies can be defined at the device level to manage when satellite connectivity is triggered.

• Device certification and configuration requirements

Not all IoT devices are satellite-ready by default. Devices must support NB-IoT with Release 17 firmware and be certified for satellite operation.

Skylo works closely with module and device vendors to certify compatible hardware. Certified devices are validated to connect smoothly to the satellite network. This reduces deployment risk and ensures stable performance.

• Firmware readiness and ecosystem support

Satellite IoT relies on firmware optimisation. Devices may require configuration to manage search behaviour, fallback timing, and power profiles.

Common configurations include:

• Terrestrial-first network selection
• Satellite activation after defined time windows
• Optimised wake-up and transmission cycles

• Regulatory and landing rights considerations

Satellite connectivity operates under national regulatory frameworks. Landing rights are typically required on a per-country basis.

Using Mobile Satellite Service spectrum simplifies this process compared to carrier-spectrum-based approaches. However, regulatory timelines still apply and must be planned into deployment schedules.

Satellite IoT enables global reach, but it comes with practical constraints. Understanding these limitations helps enterprises design realistic architectures and avoid mismatched expectations.

• Latency constraints

Satellite links introduce higher latency than terrestrial networks. This is especially true for GEO satellites.

For most IoT use cases, this is acceptable. NB-IoT applications typically involve small, non-time-critical data transmissions. 

However, satellite IoT is not suited for voice or video based applications.

• Throughput limitations

Satellite IoT is designed for low data volumes. Bandwidth is limited compared to cellular networks. This makes satellite connectivity ideal for:

• Status updates
• Sensor readings
• Alerts and exceptions

It is not intended for large payloads or frequent data streaming.

• Power consumption considerations

Satellite communication requires more power than terrestrial NB-IoT. Devices must be carefully configured to manage wake cycles and transmission frequency.

Hybrid connectivity helps mitigate this. Satellite is activated only when necessary, preserving battery life and extending device lifespan.

• Regulatory and spectrum dependencies

Satellite connectivity operates under national regulatory frameworks. Landing rights are typically required on a country-by-country basis.

While Mobile Satellite Service spectrum simplifies global operation, regulatory timelines can still impact deployment schedules. Enterprises must account for these dependencies during planning.

Satellite IoT only scales when it is delivered with operator-grade reliability. Connectivity must integrate seamlessly with existing mobile infrastructure, roaming frameworks, and billing systems. This is where BICS plays a central role.

BICS brings satellite connectivity into the same operational model enterprises already use for cellular IoT.

• Operator-grade connectivity and roaming expertise

BICS has long operated global mobile connectivity at scale. This experience translates directly into satellite IoT delivery.

Satellite connectivity is integrated into:

• Established roaming frameworks
• Proven mobile core infrastructure
• Global operational processes

Devices authenticate and roam using familiar cellular mechanisms. Satellite becomes another access layer, not a special case.

• Integrating satellite into existing IoT services

Rather than launching a standalone satellite platform, BICS embeds satellite connectivity into its existing IoT services.

This means:

• One connectivity architecture
• One management platform
• One set of APIs

From an enterprise perspective, satellite traffic is handled the same way as cellular traffic. Existing systems remain unchanged.

• Partnership-driven delivery with Skylo

BICS delivers satellite IoT through its partnership with Skylo, a specialist in direct device-to-satellite NB-IoT connectivity.

Skylo provides:

• Standards-based satellite access
• MSS spectrum and GEO satellite coverage
• Direct NB-IoT connectivity aligned with 3GPP NTN

BICS integrates this capability into its global mobile core and IoT platform.

• GSMA-standard roaming and billing

Commercial scalability depends on predictable billing and settlement. The BICS–Skylo solution follows GSMA standards for roaming and billing.

This includes operator-grade billing interfaces, standard roaming records, and transparent usage tracking. Enterprises benefit from consistent commercial models across cellular and satellite connectivity.

• Scalable global rollout

By combining BICS’ global connectivity footprint with Skylo’s satellite network, satellite IoT can be rolled out at scale. Coverage expands without:

• Managing multiple providers
• Running parallel connectivity stacks
• Redesigning devices

Satellite IoT becomes part of a unified global IoT strategy.

Satellite IoT is moving toward deeper integration with cellular networks. The distinction between terrestrial and non-terrestrial connectivity is gradually fading. What matters is consistent service delivery, regardless of location.

The future of satellite IoT lies in convergence, not separation. Cellular standards are already shaping how satellite networks operate. 

Devices, SIMs, and platforms will increasingly treat satellite as another access option. This convergence enables:

• Unified device design
• Common connectivity logic
• Consistent service management

For enterprises, this reduces long-term risk and complexity.

3GPP NTN standards will continue to evolve beyond Release 17. Future releases will improve efficiency, device support, and network performance across different satellite orbits.

As standards mature:

• More devices will become satellite-ready
• Certification ecosystems will expand
• Use cases will broaden

This creates a stable foundation for long-term IoT investments.

Satellite IoT will not replace cellular networks. Instead, it will extend them further. GEO satellites address current coverage needs. 

LEO and other orbit types may enhance performance where required. The focus will remain on practicality, scalability, and commercial viability.

Global IoT deployments demand connectivity that goes beyond terrestrial limits. Satellite IoT answers this need, but only when it is delivered in a scalable, standards-based way.

By combining cellular and satellite connectivity under a unified architecture, enterprises can achieve global coverage without adding complexity. 

Devices remain simple. Operations stay predictable. Connectivity scales with confidence. Through its partnership with Skylo, BICS brings satellite IoT into the cellular ecosystem. The result is direct device-to-satellite NB-IoT, aligned with 3GPP standards and integrated into operator-grade infrastructure.

Satellite IoT is no longer a niche solution. It is becoming a core enabler of truly global IoT.