Swarm, the Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity provider acquired by SpaceX, recently informed its customers through an email that it will no longer be selling new devices. The decision appears to be directly connected to SpaceX’s upcoming expansion into the satellite-to-cell market. Swarm plans to offer a version of its low-power M138 modem, compatible with SpaceX’s Direct to Cell network.
Shift in Focus to SpaceX’s Direct to Cell Network
Swarm assured its customers about ongoing VHF communications between Earth and space using its SwarmBEEs satellite constellation. However, the company seems to align with SpaceX’s ambitions to establish its network for mobile phones and IoT devices.
Swarm’s Journey and Ambitious Plan
Swarm founded in 2016 by Sara Spangelo and Ben Longmier. In 2018, the company emerged with a grand vision of launching a satellite network and providing hardware to turn objects into connected devices. They offered a low-power modem called Swarm M138 and an IoT product development kit. Their satellite connectivity plans started at an affordable price of $5 per month.
Acquisition by SpaceX
In 2021, SpaceX made its first and only acquisition by purchasing Swarm. Since then, Ben Longmier has become a senior director of satellite engineering at SpaceX, while Sara Spangelo is now SpaceX’s senior director of satellite engineering and co-leads the Direct to Cell initiative.
SpaceX’s Expanding Reach in Cellular Connectivity
While SpaceX is widely recognized for its Starlink satellite internet service, it revealed plans last year to venture into cellular connectivity, especially in the developing world, where it has immense potential. The company joined forces with T-Mobile in launching a service to provide Starlink connectivity to devices on T-Mobile’s network. This endeavor is likely to see significant progress this year. SpaceX executives have confirmed that service testing will commence in 2023. Swarm is focusing on supporting SpaceX’s Direct to Cell network.
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