Skyroam

Skyroam, which now operates as Solis, was founded in 2008 in Silicon Valley by Jing Liu to address a common issue for travelers: obtaining a fast and reliable mobile internet connection abroad. The company developed a patented virtual SIM (vSIM) technology that provides on-demand local wireless data through partnerships with over 300 carriers worldwide. This technology allows Skyroam's portable hotspots to automatically connect to local cellular networks in over 130 countries without requiring users to switch SIM cards.

The company's primary product is a line of portable Wi-Fi hotspots, such as the Skyroam Solis, which provide 4G LTE internet connectivity for up to ten devices simultaneously. These hockey puck-sized devices also function as power banks to charge other mobile gadgets. The business model targets international travelers, digital nomads, and business professionals who need consistent internet access. Revenue is generated through the sale of the hotspot devices and flexible, pay-as-you-go data plans. Customers can purchase daily passes for unlimited data, monthly subscriptions, or per-gigabyte plans, offering a contract-free service. Skyroam also offers business-specific plans that include a centralized management portal for multiple devices.

Beyond its consumer-facing hotspot business, Skyroam's parent company, SIMO Corporation, licenses its vSIM software-as-a-service platform to third parties. This enables device manufacturers in the smartphone and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors to embed the technology directly into their products, such as mobile phones, tablets, and wearables, creating new revenue streams and simplifying global connectivity. The company has secured significant funding over the years, including a $23.5M Series B round in 2015 and multiple Series C rounds, to fuel its expansion into these new markets and scale its international Wi-Fi services.

Keywords: global Wi-Fi, portable hotspot, virtual SIM, vSIM, travel technology, mobile internet, international data, pay-as-you-go WiFi, Solis, SIMO, remote work connectivity, digital nomad tools, IoT connectivity, M2M data, global data roaming, mobile broadband, travel gadgets, connected devices, cellular data service, on-demand data