Skyboxe Hub 4G, an Android TV streaming device combined with a fixed wireless gateway, has landed an important new certification as it works toward a 2022 launch.
The company said the device was granted PTCRB (PCS Type Certification Review Board) certification, which ensures interoperability with global wireless networks.
"Carriers around the world are investing billions of dollars to make their networks faster and more reliable," said Rob Shambro, CEO and co-founder of Skyboxe, in a statement. "PTCRB certification is widely regarded as the gold-standard compliance step for bringing new wireless products to market, and we're thrilled to have achieved that milestone. In addition to PTCRB, the Skyboxe Hub 4G has met the network certification requirements of both AT&T and T-Mobile, and we're working with them so that they can begin to offer more competitive and intelligent connectivity solutions to their subscribers."
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The Skyboxe Hub is a fixed wireless home gateway that contains a cable modem or hot spot, a Wi-Fi router, a broadcast TV tuner and an Android TV video streamer. The company is also selling Skyboxe Live, a subscription service “tied to your wireless data plan that allows the Skyboxe platform to work seamlessly with your mobile service provider.”
The Skyboxe Hub 4G is expected to be available for purchase in early 2022 but the 5G model is still in development. The Skyboxe was originally announced in early 2019 and was targeting a first quarter 2020 release date.
Last year, the Skyboxe received equipment authorization from the FCC, allowing it to begin trials with potential wireless partners.
"With our FCC ID in hand, we can now enter into trials with our wireless carrier partners and accelerate certifications with them as a 'BYOD' (bring your own device) that consumers will be able to purchase in the coming months. With Skyboxe, businesses and consumers will be able to combine their fixed and mobile data plans together to lower their total costs,” the company said last year.