Device Certification: Quick Start Guide

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. Existing Modems can leverage Skylo's network to expand their existing cellular capabilities to include satellite coverage simply by updating their firmware and RF path adjustment of their devices to support the necessary NTN bands. This ensures "always-on" hybrid cellular/satellite connectivity wherever devices have an unobstructed view of the sky.

This guide provides a concise overview of the certification process for device and module manufacturers (henceforth referred to as OEMs) seeking Skylo certification. It outlines key requirements such as radio frequency operating bands, chipset requirements, radiated power and receiver sensitivity, functional and performance requirements, and industry certifications. Additionally, the guide provides information on the Skylo certification process itself, along with guidance on regulatory compliance with standards like FCC and CE(RED). The goal is to ensure devices operate reliably and seamlessly on Skylo's satellite network while complying with all necessary regulations.

Key requirements include:

• Devices must support specific radio frequency bands (B23, B255, and B256) and shall meet TIS/TRP (or EIS/EIRP for guided devices) requirements.
• Chipsets must be Skylo-certified and support NTN NB-IoT 3GPP releases.
• Chipsets must be Skylo-certified and support NTN NB-IoT 3GPP releases.
• Functional requirements encompass:
  
  • Access to location information
  • Network switching capabilities for dual-mode devices
  • Message rate and size limitations
  • SIM card compatibility
  • Device attachment behavior
• Devices must pass Skylo-specific tests, including interoperability, functional, conformance, performance, stability, and field tests.\
• Regulatory compliance is required for FCC, CE(RED), and other regional standards
• Industry certifications such as NTN part of GCF/PTCRB are necessary
• Skylo performs spot-checks on final software/hardware.

Overall, this quick guide provides comprehensive guidance for manufacturers to ensure their devices are compatible with and compliant with Skylo's satellite network.

Skylo Certification Process:

• NDA & Certification Agreement: Required legal agreements.
• Compliance Matrix (CM): OEMs complete a CM detailing how their device meets Skylo's technical, regulatory, and industry requirements.
• Skylo Specific Testing:
  
  • Interoperability: Ensures compatibility with Skylo's network infrastructure. Leveraged to devices and modules based on a Skylo certified chipset.‍
  • Performance and Stability Testing: Evaluates device performance and stability over extended and shorter periods. Skylo approved 3rd party labs, SGS and Sporton, to perform testing in conducted mode and provide test reports to Skylo. ‍
  • Field Testing: OEMs conduct real-world performance tests of Skylo-enabled devices anywhere the network is available and submit test reports.\
• OTA Testing: Evaluates transmit and receive performance in a CTIA OTA approved lab environment and shares test results with Skylo.
• Regulatory Compliance Testing: Ensures compliance with FCC, CE(RED), and other regional regulations. Testing is performed in a regulatory approved 3rd party test lab.
• Industry Certification: Ensures the device meets industry standards (NTN GCF/PTCRB) and test reports are provided to Skylo from a GCF/PTCRR recognized test house.
• Spot-Checks: Skylo conducts random tests on final software and hardware.
• IMEI TAC or range is required for all device types.

The below table provides an overview of the certification requirements for various device types, including Devices, Modules, and Integrated Devices (Devices integrated with Skylo Certified Modules).