Skydio X10 Bring Your Own Cellular Plan
Published: Updated:
Skydio’s Bring-Your-Own-Plan (BYOP) program allows customers to utilize their own SIM cards from a number of mobile network operators to fly Skydio X10 on cellular connectivity, instead of relying on the Skydio-provided T-Mobile plans.
Skydio Flight System Compatibility with BYOP
BYOP is currently available for second generation X10 drones that are updated to the Battin release (see Battin release notes for Skydio Dock for X10 and Skydio X10).
BYOP is not available for X10 (Gen 1) drones without additional hardware. Fusion+, a premium offering that includes a cellular modem attachment, is fully compatible with X10 (Gen 1) and supports bringing your own plan (BYOP). Fusion+ will be available later in 2025.
The Skydio X10 controller itself is currently not compatible with the BYOP program but will continue to support T-Mobile for cellular connectivity. Future generations of the controller will allow for BYOP.
Supported Carriers for BYOP
Skydio currently supports the following cellular carriers:
| United States |
|
| Japan |
|
Support for other international carriers is coming soon.
Benefits of BYOP
Skydio’s BYOP program allows customers to utilize their own SIM cards from supported network operators that are not directly sold by Skydio. This allows customers to optimize their cellular connectivity options, and pick the carrier best suited for their requirements and operations.
This can be beneficial in cases where one operator provides superior coverage and connectivity over another operator in the area of operation, or if the customer has already existing carrier contracts and plans, and wants to add Skydio X10 to this portfolio.
How to enable cellular connectivity for your Skydio system when you bring your own plan
Step 1 - Procure your cellular plan and SIM card
As part of the BYOP program, you will procure your own SIM cards and respective cellular plans directly from the network provider without Skydio’s involvement.
Visit Choosing the Right Cellular Plan for Your Skydio X10 for guidance on choosing the right cellular plan for your organization.
Step 2 - Install your SIM card on your Skydio X10 (Gen 2) drone
Once you have procured a supported SIM card, the card can be inserted directly into Skydio X10 (Gen 2). The drone will automatically detect the SIM and change to the correct configuration.
Installation instructions:
Step 3 - Enabling cellular connectivity on your drone
If you have a Dock for X10 flight system: No additional steps necessary
If you are flying with a Skydio X10 Controller: Follow the step-by-step instructions in this Support article under How to set up Connect 5G to complete your setup.
[note] BYOP is currently available for second generation X10 drones that are updated to the Battin release (see Battin release notes for Skydio Dock for X10 and Skydio X10). [/note]
FAQ
[accordion heading="Can I bring my own plan for my X10 controller?"]
The Skydio X10 controller is currently not compatible with the BYOP program but will continue to support T-Mobile for cellular connectivity. Future generations of the controller will allow for BYOP.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="If I have an X10 (Gen 1), but I want to use a carrier that isn’t T-Mobile, what are my options?"]
You can choose to purchase Fusion+, a premium offering that includes a cellular modem attachment. This attachment is fully compatible with X10 (Gen 1) and supports bringing your own plan (BYOP).
Fusion+ will be available later in 2025.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="Will Skydio continue to sell T-Mobile plans?"]
Skydio will continue to offer T-Mobile plans, as well as T-Mobile’s Wireless Priority Service (WPS).
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="How do I choose which plan is right for me?"]
Drones on mobile commercial networks have very specific needs compared to typical consumer electronics products. While the network operators are not yet offering drone-specific plans, Skydio has compiled a framework for customers to discuss appropriate plans with their providers. Refer to our support article to help choose the most appropriate plan for your organization.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="How do I activate my cellular plan?"]
Customers will activate and manage their cellular plans through their respective network providers, following the instructions provided to them. If you are unclear about the specific process, please consider reaching out to your organization’s IT or networking department.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="What is the process if I want to change carriers?"]
Changing your cellular network provider or carrier in the BYOP program is as simple as switching out the drone’s SIM card with a different one. If you are using a SIM card from a supported provider, the drone will automatically detect the SIM and change to the correct configuration. Following a reboot the drone will be ready to fly.
If your SIM card belongs to an unsupported carrier, you will receive a notification that the SIM is unsupported.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="How do I know which carrier and/or plan I have?"]
The carrier or network provider detected based on your SIM card will be visible in the Skydio Cloud settings of your fleet as well as the Telemetry menus in Remote Flight Deck and on the X10 Controller. However, since the specific plan provisioned for your SIM card is not visible or detectable for Skydio, plan information can only be obtained from your provider directly. If you are unclear about how to obtain this information, please consider reaching out to your organization’s IT or networking department.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="What does BYOP have to do with Skydio’s WPS offering?"]
Skydio’s BYOP is a program that allows customers to utilize their own SIM cards and plans for cellular connectivity, while Skydio’s WPS offering is a cellular plan offered by Skydio that provides priority and preemption services for eligible customers on T-Mobile’s network. However, customers who are eligible for federal Wireless Priority Services can procure and utilize their own WPS plan from T-Mobile as part of the BYOP program.
[/accordion]
[accordion heading="How does payment work for BYOP? Is there an additional charge for BYOP?"]
Customers bringing their own plan as part of the BYOP program are paying their carrier or mobile network operator directly, based on the respective plan and agreement in place.
However, customers operating their X10 with an X10 Controller who want to utilize BYOP instead of receiving T-Mobile plans from Skydio may still have to purchase software support for BYOP. Work with your Skydio Account team to purchase the right software package for your organization and use case.
[/accordion]
Explore More
Explore related articles for additional information
Choosing the Right Cellular Plan for Your Skydio X10
Skydio X10 Wireless Priority Service (WPS)
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