Satellite communications are a global revolution. They will eliminate forever the situation where your phone shows just one bar. They provide a seamless experience anywhere.
Parth Trivedi, Skylow co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO), said on the 2nd in Barcelona, Spain, at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, the world's largest mobile trade show, in an interview with ChosunBiz that "satellite networks will play an essential role in complementing terrestrial networks." He said, "Skylow's goal is not to build satellites as a separate network, but to integrate them into existing mobile networks."
Skylow is a global Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) service provider headquartered in Mountain View, California. It does not launch satellites itself. Instead, it partners with existing satellite operators to provide a commercial service that allows smartphones and cellular-based Internet of Things (IoT) devices to connect directly to satellites beyond terrestrial networks without separate equipment. Skylow works with mobile carriers such as Verizon Communications Inc. in the United States and Deutsche Telekom and Orange in Europe, manufacturers of Google Pixel, Garmin, and Samsung Galaxy series, and satellite operators. SoftBank, BMW's venture fund iVentures, Samsung Venture Investment, and Seraphim Space are major investors.
Trivedi was born in Kolkata, India, earned a bachelor's in aeronautics and astronautics from Purdue University, a master's in aeronautics and astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He led various aerospace project missions at MIT with support from the U.S. Department of Defense, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
He currently has an 11-month-old son. Trivedi said his son will never say, "There are places on Earth where the connection drops." It means a generation that takes connectivity for granted. He said, "Solving the planet's connectivity problem via satellites in just one generation is truly remarkable," adding, "the biggest driver is interoperability, that is, the expansion of carriers' networks." The following is a Q&A with him.
◇ "Satellite communications aim to be integrated into existing terrestrial networks to strengthen connectivity"
―What role does satellite communications play in disasters?
Satellite communications are used not only in disasters but also in everyday life. Skylow has built satellite connectivity into everyday devices such as Google Pixel smartwatches, Garmin smartwatches, and the Samsung Galaxy S26 series. The Samsung Galaxy series received Skylow certification in partnership with Verizon Communications Inc.. This allows users to experience satellite connectivity naturally on everyday devices without having to think of it as separate "insurance."
In the long run, we need to look at how people consume content on the internet. AI is rewriting the rules of the internet itself. What people will value going forward is how easily they can access their preferred AI agents and large language models (LLMs). End users will move seamlessly between satellites and base stations without even realizing they are connected to a satellite network. In short, ensuring that connectivity never drops will be most important.
―What is Skylow's business model?
We act as a "neutral third party" that works with mobile network operator (MNO) carriers to extend their networks. We do not compete with carriers. We help carriers increase customers' lifetime value (LTV) and enter new revenue areas by strengthening network experiences they could not previously provide. Our mission is to smoothly deliver a seamless experience to both corporate clients and consumers.
―You leverage satellites based on 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) standards. What is your competitive edge?
There are millions of devices within Skylow's service footprint, and all use 3GPP standards. That ensures interoperability and means we can operate services across multiple orbits. Skylow is a multi-orbit company. Our technology works in low Earth orbit (LEO) and medium Earth orbit (MEO). Skylow continuously partners with satellite partners that are introducing new constellations. When a new type of constellation comes online, we will integrate it as part of the network. Therefore, carriers do not have to worry about the technical details of different orbits, different constellations, and different frequency bands. Through Skylow, they can treat satellite networks like the concept of roaming. This allows end users to use a single, consistent network.
―SpaceX launches its own satellites. In that case, doesn't it diminish the importance of Skylow's business model?
Our goal is not to launch a new proprietary constellation. Our mission is to extend mobile networks into the satellite domain. What matters is ensuring there are no dropped connections or dropped calls. It is also crucial that the satellite network is indistinguishable from existing networks.
◇ "Preparing to enter Korea… in talks with carriers"
―In Korea, service almost never drops.
Satellites are not just for use inside Korea but to deliver benefits anywhere in the world. In the United States, 46% of consumers experience degraded service quality at their residence or on their commute. Skylow has currently obtained operating authorizations in 37 countries. Also, in various disasters including wildfires, satellites can be an alternative when all base stations are destroyed.
―You are not doing business in Korea yet. What are your plans?
We clearly plan to enter the Korean market. We have received temporary approval from the Ministry of Science and ICT for satellite communications testing and are proceeding with formal approval. Skylow works closely with regulators and mobile network operator (MNO) carriers in each country. Skylow's services are typically provided through the carriers in each country we enter. We are in discussions with several carriers in Korea, but there is nothing we can announce at this stage. We expect strong demand for satellite communications not only from general consumers but also from corporations. In the United States, there have been cases of use on livestock and ships. Fishers need communications connectivity near the coast.
―What are your long-term plans?
The satellite industry will move away from the current "break before make" approach to a future "make before break" approach. That means users will enjoy a seamless experience and devices will switch constantly between cellular and satellite. To me, that is the biggest opportunity.