MCLEAN, Va. - Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:IRDM) has revealed a new initiative, Project Stardust, to integrate Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standards into its existing satellite network. This move is expected to enhance its direct-to-device (D2D) services and bolster its global satellite communication offerings.
According to Iridium, the project will allow smartphone manufacturers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), chipmakers, mobile network operators (MNOs), and IoT developers to incorporate their needs into Iridium's network. The company is currently working with various partners to tailor the service to specific use cases and requirements.
Iridium's CEO, Matt Desch, highlighted the company's strategic position to lead in standardized satellite communication services, leveraging the global coverage of its low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The planned NB-IoT service is designed to support 5G NTN messaging and SOS functions for a range of devices, including smartphones and vehicles, offering low-latency experiences and utilizing Iridium's globally allocated spectrum.
The company emphasizes its readiness to support the new service with its established infrastructure, which includes a network supporting around 1,300 SOS and emergency incidents annually. Iridium's satellite constellation offers a competitive edge over other LEO and geostationary satellite networks due to its fully crosslinked architecture and global L-band spectrum.
Iridium is known for its satellite IoT and personal communication solutions, with more than two decades of experience and an extensive partner ecosystem. The network serves approximately 1.7 million IoT customers and supports more than 2.2 million users worldwide.
Project Stardust's testing phase is anticipated to begin in 2025, with the service launch expected in 2026. The information in this article is based on a press release statement from Iridium Communications Inc.
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