SpaceX's Swarm ceases selling IoT devices as its focus shifts to the satellite-to-cell market

SpaceX is primarily recognized for its Starlink satellite broadband service.

Swarm has stopped selling new IoT connectivity devices after being acquired by SpaceX. In an email to customers, the company said it would launch a compatible version of its low-power M138 modem that works with the SpaceX Direct to Cell network. Swarm will still provide VHF communication between Earth and space, though, thanks to its SwarmBEEs satellite network. Swarm was formed in 2016 and launched a satellite network that enabled almost anything to become a connected device. It also sold an IoT product development kit and low-bandwidth satellite connectivity for $5 monthly. Its sale to SpaceX in 2021 makes Swarm the rocket firm's only acquisition. Its co-founders, Sara Spangelo and Ben Longmier, are now, respectively, the satellite engineering division's senior director and senior director satellite engineering and co-leads of the Direct to Cell scheme.

SpaceX is primarily recognized for its Starlink satellite broadband service. It announced plans in 2020 to broaden its satellite offering to include connectivity with cell networks. Last year, the company unveiled a plan to offer Starlink service to devices on T-Mobile's network. Testing of the service is expected to begin this year. SpaceX's acquisition of Swarm highlights the aerospace company's push into the satellite-to-cell industry, which represents a considerable market globally, particularly in countries with developing mobile networks. Satellite-to-cell technology has the potential to reach consumers in remote areas who have little to no connection to cellular networks.