Iridium Communications Inc., a provider of global voice, data, and PNT satellite services, has announced a new partnership with Vodafone IoT to integrate its Iridium NTN DirectSM service. The new partnership will extend Vodafone IoT’s coverage for customers wanting NB-IoT connectivity – meaning that devices in the most remote locations will now be connected.
Through this partnership, Vodafone IoT will gain access to Iridium NTN Direct – the 3GPP standards-based service providing NB-IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity – keeping its customers and their assets ubiquitously connected.
Planned for commercial launch in 2026, Iridium NTN Direct will connect Vodafone IoT’s NB-IoT customers using the Iridium® network for data messaging, tracking, and real-time monitoring for IoT, automotive, and industrial devices. This is particularly valuable for industries that demand connectivity in extremely remote locations – such as windfarms, oil pipelines, shipping tracking and emergency services.
“Iridium NTN Direct stands out among NTN and NB-IoT services by offering MNOs – like Vodafone IoT – an unmatched combination of truly global coverage, reliability, and capability,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “This collaboration will help transform the landscape of global connectivity by providing uncompromised scalability and advancing our shared vision to connect and empower enterprise assets and people everywhere.”
Erik Brenneis, CEO of Vodafone IoT, said: “We are extremely excited to announce this new partnership with Iridium, which opens the door to a new generation of IoT connectivity. By using direct-to-device satellite connectivity, new and existing customers will benefit from truly global coverage – meaning they can reliably connect their devices in corners of the world where they can’t today. This marks a significant step in our mission to connect everything, everywhere.”
With a history of providing safety of life services with the highest reliability, the Iridium network is ideal for D2D and NB-IoT services. Operating on globally coordinated L-band spectrum with proven infrastructure, Iridium has an established track record of providing reliable, weather-resilient, and low-power connectivity at scale. This provides a critical advantage for NB-IoT and D2D applications, where consistent performance in remote and mobile environments matters most.
Upon successful integration and testing, Iridium and Vodafone IoT plan to launch a full commercial service for customers across the globe.
Iridium® is the only mobile voice, data, and PNT satellite network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations, and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and its positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service.
Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM.
Vodafone IoT is a global enabler in managed IoT connectivity services. With over 215 million devices connected across more than 180 countries, we provide businesses with reliable and secure IoT solutions, enabling them to effectively manage, monitor, and operate their IoT devices.
By adopting IoT, businesses can benefit from smarter resource management, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency – helping them to operate more sustainably.
