Vodafone IoT partnered with Iridium Communications to integrate the satellite player’s NTN Direct satellite service, extending the operator’s narrowband connectivity offering to remote locations worldwide.
Planned for commercial launch in 2026 following integration and testing, the collaboration will utilise Iridium’s 66 LEO birds, enabling Vodafone IoT customers to connect devices for data messaging, tracking and real-time monitoring.
Customers can use the service across IoT, automotive and industrial devices, which are critical for connectivity in remote areas including windfarms and oil pipelines.
The partnership aligns with broader industry trends in NTN, which are increasingly vital for sectors like telecommunications, transportation, maritime, and emergency services.
Vodafone IoT CEO Erik Brenneis stated the partnership “marks a significant step in our mission to connect everything, everywhere”.
Financial terms and the length of the partnership were not available.
Iridium was founded in 1987 and joined 3GPP in 2023.
Iridium is banking on a 3GPP-based approach for direct-to-device communications because it makes use of its existing assets and industry standard chipsets. Iridium’s network operates on globally coordinated L-band spectrum
Planned for launch next year, NTN Direct will enable smartphone companies, OEMs, chipmakers, mobile operators and IoT developers which use 3GPP standard-based technologies to connect with Iridium’s existing network of satellites.
