NUREMBERG, GERMANY – On Monday, March 9, 2026, Blues and Skylo Technologies announced the launch of the Notecard for Skylo, a first-of-its-kind system-on-module (SoM) that integrates satellite, cellular, and Wi-Fi connectivity into a single, unified footprint.
Unveiled at the Embedded World 2026 conference, the module is designed to eliminate the complexity of multi-network IoT deployments by providing automatic failover across three distinct radio access technologies (RATs).
The collaboration addresses a long-standing barrier in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector: the high cost and technical difficulty of adding satellite backup to terrestrial-based devices.
Technical Specs: Triple-Radio Architecture
The Notecard for Skylo utilizes a “triple-threat” connectivity stack to ensure near-100% uptime for mission-critical assets.
- Network Stack: * Wi-Fi: For low-cost indoor/depot connectivity.
- Narrowband Cellular: For standard on-road or urban tracking.
- NTN Satellite: Powered by Skylo’s 3GPP standards-based non-terrestrial network for remote regions and cellular dead zones.
- Intelligent Failover: The module features a built-in “make-before-break” switching logic. It automatically seeks the most cost-effective path (Wi-Fi > Cellular > Satellite) and falls back to satellite only when terrestrial signals are unavailable.
- Data Packaging: The module comes pre-provisioned with 18KB of satellite data and 500MB of cellular data. Additional satellite usage is priced at a flat $0.00075 per byte.
- Form Factor: M.2-style connector, ensuring compatibility with the broader Blues ecosystem of development boards.
Commercial Model: Subscription-Free Satellite
Perhaps the most significant disruption introduced by the partnership is the removal of the “satellite tax.” Traditionally, adding satellite capability required a separate module, a monthly subscription contract, and minimum usage commitments.
The Notecard for Skylo operates on a pay-as-you-go model. “Traditional satellite IoT solutions burden customers with a second satellite module and monthly fees,” said Ian Small, CEO of Blues. “Notecard for Skylo eliminates all three: no additional hardware, no satellite subscription contract, and no minimums.“
Context: The “Standardized Sky” Initiative
The partnership leverages Skylo’s recent expansion into the 5G NR-NTN architecture. By using existing geostationary (GEO) and medium-earth orbit (MEO) satellite assets from partners like Viasat and EchoStar, Skylo allows standard cellular chipsets to communicate directly with space.
“Notecard for Skylo makes reliable, standards-based satellite connectivity accessible to more industries and device types than ever before,” stated Vijay Krishnan, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Skylo. The module is primarily targeted at transportation, logistics, and remote industrial monitoring where assets frequently move in and out of cellular range.
Next Steps and Availability
Following its unveiling at Embedded World, the Notecard for Skylo is scheduled for general availability starting March 10, 2026, through the Blues online store.
- Developer Access: Software libraries and JSON-based APIs are live on the Blues developer portal.
- Beta Transition: The product moves from a closed beta program to global distribution, with initial shipments focused on North American and European markets.
