Iridium Communications Inc., a leading provider of global satellite-based communication, aircraft surveillance, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) services, announced that Altair Semiconductor, a developer of cellular IoT chipsets, is integrating Iridium NTN Direct℠ technology into its ALT1350 and forthcoming ALT1550 chipset platforms. This integration combines cellular and satellite connectivity within a single chipset, enabling device manufacturers, module developers, and mobile network operators (MNOs) to extend IoT connectivity to locations beyond the reach of conventional cellular networks. By allowing devices to connect directly to Iridium’s global satellite network without the need for a separate satellite modem, the solution streamlines device architecture while broadening connectivity options for IoT applications.
The partnership combines Altair’s cellular IoT chipset technology, among the most highly integrated low-power connectivity solutions available, with Iridium’s 3GPP standards-based non-terrestrial network (NTN) service, giving device manufacturers another chipset option for products that need connectivity beyond terrestrial cellular coverage. With the ultra-low-power ALT1350, these connectivity requirements can include asset tracking, logistics, smart metering and utilities, agriculture, vehicle telematics, industrial monitoring and remote infrastructure. With the ALT1550, these capabilities extend to a new generation of AI-powered 5G eRedCap devices, such as smart glasses, AI assistants and other wearables, that need to stay connected wherever they go.
“Altair has deep experience developing highly integrated, low-power IoT solutions, and we’re excited to work together to extend their reach with Iridium’s truly global satellite network. As a market leader in satellite IoT, Iridium is offering device manufacturers a powerful new way to develop connected products. Integrating Iridium NTN Direct into Altair’s chipsets will enable solutions and applications that require reliable, low-power connectivity beyond the limits of terrestrial networks.”
-Tim Last, executive vice president, Iridium
“Adding Iridium NTN Direct to our ultra-low-power LTE-M/NB-IoT ALT1350 and 5G eRedCap ALT1550 chipsets reflects our commitment to giving customers greater flexibility in how and where their IoT devices connect. With Iridium’s truly global LEO satellite connectivity alongside terrestrial cellular, device manufacturers can more easily develop solutions that will reliably work anywhere they’re deployed.”
-Dima Feldman, VP Product Management and Marketing, Altair Semiconductor
Iridium NTN Direct leverages Iridium’s fully operational, LEO satellite constellation and globally coordinated L-band spectrum to extend standards-based connectivity beyond terrestrial networks. The service is designed to support NB-IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) applications using compatible 3GPP standards-based chipsets, providing MNOs, chipset manufacturers and device makers with a path to extend connectivity through the Iridium satellite network.
Altair joins a growing ecosystem of partners bringing the Iridium NTN Direct service to market. A combination of chipmakers, module manufacturers, OEMs, device makers, and IoT developers is leading the next generation of NTN-cellular integration with Iridium NTN Direct.
Iridium Communications Inc. operates the only mobile satellite network with truly global coverage, providing a foundation for a broad range of communication and connectivity innovations. Its services span voice, data, messaging, positioning, navigation and timing (PNT), as well as aircraft surveillance, delivering reliable connectivity across the globe. Through its satellite constellation and advanced solutions, including Aireon, the only space-based air traffic surveillance system of its kind, Iridium supports safety-critical applications across aviation, maritime, government, industrial and consumer sectors. The company also leads in satellite-based Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity and is developing direct-to-device (D2D) communications using open standards to make satellite connectivity more widely accessible.
Based in McLean, Virginia, Iridium drives technological advancement through a global network of more than 500 technology and distribution partners, delivering innovative satellite communication solutions to millions of customers worldwide.
