Iridium and Nordic Semiconductor Team Up for NTN Project

Iridium NTN Direct is set to revolutionize the world of IoT as the first truly global NB-IoT service. This groundbreaking initiative is a result of Iridium's Project Stardust, aligning with the recent decision by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to incorporate Iridium enabling enhancements in its upcoming release. With this development, any device equipped with a 3GPP release 19 compliant chipset will have access to Iridium's satellite service, opening up a world of possibilities for seamless connectivity.

Nordic, a key player in the industry known for its innovative low power LTE-M and NB-IoT modules and chipsets, is poised to integrate the Iridium NTN Direct service into its roadmap. Bryan Hartin, executive vice president at Iridium, expressed excitement about this collaboration, stating, "The integration of Iridium NTN Direct into Nordic's modules and chipsets signifies a new era of connectivity, enabling consumer and industrial devices to stay connected from any corner of the globe."

Oyvind Birkenes, executive vice president for the Long Range BU at Nordic Semiconductor, highlighted the significance of Iridium's move towards enabling low-cost, 3GPP-standard NB-IoT modules and chipsets to connect to its satellite network. This strategic partnership paves the way for universal connectivity, bringing the vision of global and massive IoT to fruition.

The Iridium network's attributes make it an ideal platform for D2D and NB-IoT services, boasting truly global coverage, weather-resilient capabilities, globally coordinated spectrum, and a track record of providing reliable safety of life services. The completion of 3GPP Release 19 by the end of 2025 is anticipated to further enhance the landscape of IoT connectivity.

For more information on Iridium's innovative solutions, visit www.iridium.com. To explore Nordic Semiconductor's cutting-edge technologies, visit www.nordicsemi.com.