Iridium Communications announced a new partnership with Vodafone IoT that will deliver NB-IoT connectivity to Vodafone customers’ devices, including those located in the world’s most remote locations.
Through the partnership, Vodafone IoT will gain access to Iridium NTN Direct, a 3GPP standards-based service that provides NB-IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, keeping customers and their assets ubiquitously connected.
Set for commercial launch in 2026, Iridium NTN Direct is taking shape as a first-of-its-kind satellite communications service for data messaging, tracking, and real-time monitoring that works anywhere 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 satellite connectivity will give Vodafone IoT's customers even more coverage across the planet.
Iridium Communications, a leading provider of global voice, data, and PNT satellite services, announced a new partnership with Vodafone IoT to integrate its Iridium NTN Direct service. The 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 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.
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.
Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium
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. 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, Vodafone IoT
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.
