Iridium Communications Inc., a leader in global voice and data satellite communications, has taken a significant step forward in its mission to enhance connectivity. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has officially accepted Iridium's request to expand the functionality of Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) into the Work Plan for 3GPP Release 19. This marks a pivotal moment for Iridium's upcoming service, Iridium NTN Direct?, which aims to provide unprecedented access to satellite services via standard chipsets.
What is Iridium NTN Direct?
Set to be the world’s first truly global 5G NB-IoT service, Iridium NTN Direct was conceived from the company’s ambitious Project Stardust initiative. Since its announcement in January 2024, the project has seen rapid progress. With successful technical demonstrations already conducted in lab settings, Iridium is gearing up for additional trials scheduled for early next year, further solidifying its position in the market.
"We're already well into our technology development, and we're excited about our progress and to see so much enthusiasm from the 3GPP community," stated Greg Pelton, CTO of Iridium. "As a cloud-based service powered by our software-defined satellites, we’ve been able to jump off to a super-fast start."
Expanding Connectivity for All
Iridium NTN Direct aims to open the door for smartphone manufacturers, OEMs, chipmakers, mobile network operators (MNOs), and IoT developers utilizing 3GPP standards-based technology. By leveraging Iridium's extensive network and globally coordinated spectrum, users will benefit from a global, low-latency LEO (Low Earth Orbit) experience.
Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium, expressed his vision: "When it comes to providing direct-to-device (D2D) services, we don't have to be first, but we have to be the best. Iridium NTN Direct is an important initiative for us, and we've made significant progress towards providing top-tier service."
Unique Advantages of Iridium's Network
Iridium’s satellite constellation features a crosslinked, LEO architecture that provides distinct advantages over other LEO and geostationary satellite networks. It is certified to offer safety of life services by international regulatory bodies, ensuring unmatched reliability. Unlike geostationary systems, which can suffer from line-of-sight limitations and power issues, Iridium's system maintains connectivity globally.
Looking Ahead
The development timeline for 3GPP Release 19 is set for completion in the fourth quarter of 2025, and Iridium is excited about the future of its NTN Direct service. As the company continues to advance its technology, it remains committed to providing innovative solutions that ensure global connectivity.
Click here for more information on Iridium's NTN Direct.
