Iridium’s satellite service is providing Vodafone customers with NB-IoT connectivity.

Vodafone IoT will integrate the Iridium NTN Direct service to extend its coverage for customers wanting NB-IoT connectivity, meaning that devices in more remote locations can 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 connected.

Planned for commercial launch next year, NTN Direct (www.iridium.com/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 of 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, added: “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 high reliability, the Iridium network is suitable for D2D and NB-IoT services. Operating on globally coordinated L-band spectrum with proven infrastructure, Iridium has a 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 (www.iridium.com) is a mobile voice, data and PNT satellite network that spans the entire globe. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and its positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) service. Iridium Communications is headquartered in McLean, Virginia.

With 215 million devices connected across more than 180 countries, Vodafone IoT (iot.vodafone.com) provides businesses with reliable and secure IoT, enabling them to manage, monitor and operate their IoT devices.