Iridium Communications, a global provider of satellite communication, will collaborate with Nordic Semiconductor to integrate Iridium’s upcoming Iridium NTN Direct service into Nordic's LTE-M and NB-IoT modules and chipsets, paving the way for enhanced IoT connectivity across industries.
Nordic Semiconductor, known for its innovative low-power wireless connectivity solutions, is a key player in the global cellular IoT space, offering technology for devices like utility meters, industrial monitoring systems, and global tracking devices. The integration of Iridium’s NTN Direct technology into Nordic’s products will significantly expand the reach of connected devices, allowing them to communicate from virtually any point on the planet.
Pioneering Global NB-IoT Connectivity
Iridium NTN Direct, part of Iridium’s ambitious Project Stardust initiative, is poised to be the world’s first truly global NB-IoT service. By aligning with the 3rd Generation Partnership Project’s (3GPP) Release 19 standards, Iridium’s satellite network will enable IoT devices, with compliant chipsets, to connect anywhere in the world. Nordic plans to incorporate this satellite-powered capability into its future IoT offerings, opening up opportunities for devices that require reliable, global communication.
"Nordic Semiconductor is an industry leader in low-power IoT technology," said Bryan Hartin, Executive Vice President of Iridium. "This collaboration marks a milestone, as it will enable a new wave of consumer and industrial devices to stay connected globally using Iridium's satellite infrastructure."
Nordic’s EVP for Long Range Business Unit, Oyvind Birkenes, echoed the excitement: "Iridium’s initiative to support low-cost, NB-IoT modules and chipsets like our nRF9151 connecting to their satellites is a giant leap toward making universal connectivity a reality for massive IoT applications."
The Future of IoT and Satellite Integration
Iridium’s satellite network, renowned for its reliability and global coverage, is ideal for direct-to-device (D2D) and NB-IoT applications. This partnership could redefine global connectivity by enabling devices to communicate across remote regions, regardless of terrestrial infrastructure. The next-generation 3GPP Release 19, expected to be finalized by the end of 2025, will further solidify this capability.
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