Iridium Communications is advancing global satellite communication through its Iridium NTN Direct, the world’s first truly global 5G NB-IoT service. This innovation integrates with industry-standard chipsets and 3GPP standards, offering seamless, low-latency connectivity for IoT developers, smartphone manufacturers, and mobile network operators worldwide.
This milestone will enable Iridium's satellite services to integrate with industry-standard chipsets, supporting the launch of its innovative Iridium NTN Direct service over the Iridium Network. Originating from the company’s Project Stardust initiative, Iridium NTN Direct is set to become the world’s first truly global 5G NB-IoT service. 3GPP Release 19 is anticipated to conclude in Q4 2025.
Why Iridium’s LEO Satellites Are the Future of Reliable IoT Communication
Iridium NTN Direct provides reliable, low-latency global connectivity using its robust LEO satellite network, enabling widespread IoT and mobile integration. Its compliance with industry standards ensures accessibility, flexibility, and a future-proof platform for communication technologies.
In January 2024, Iridium introduced Project Stardust to enable standards-based NB-IoT communication for Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) via its operational LEO satellite constellation. Significant progress has been achieved swiftly, with the Iridium NTN Direct service already undergoing successful technical development.
Earlier this year, a demonstration in a lab environment showcased its capabilities. Additionally, Iridium has become a member of GSMA and is preparing for further advancements, including additional trials and demonstrations planned for early next year.
"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," said Greg Pelton, CTO, Iridium. "As a cloud-based service powered by the flexibility of our software-defined satellites and building upon recognized industry standards, we've been able to jump off to a super-fast start. Our team is really motivated to make this happen."
Achieving Seamless Global Coverage with Iridium NTN Direct’s 5G IoT Solutions
Iridium NTN Direct will enable smartphone manufacturers, OEMs, chipmakers, mobile network operators (MNOs), and IoT developers utilizing 3GPP standards-based technology to harness Iridium's established network and globally allocated, coordinated spectrum, delivering a seamless, low-latency LEO user experience worldwide.
"When it comes to providing D2D, 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 been able to pivot on an unprecedented scale and make significant progress toward providing the best service," said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. "We're grateful for the wide industry support of our vision to expand access to Iridium's global lifeline service by enabling it for anyone with a cellular device."
The Iridium satellite constellation, with its crosslinked LEO architecture and global L-band spectrum, offers a distinct advantage over other LEO and geostationary satellite networks. Certified by international regulatory bodies to provide safety-of-life services, the Iridium network is renowned for its reliability and remains the only system delivering connectivity to every corner of the globe.
Unlike geostationary systems, the Iridium constellation’s LEO design avoids line-of-sight issues, high power demands, and regional outages caused by single satellite failures, ensuring uninterrupted global coverage.
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