Connectivity firms Iridium and Syniverse are partnering to support the rollout of Iridium NTN Direct. Iridium NTN Direct, which aims to provide service directly to consumer devices anywhere on earth, will integrate with Syniverse’s network to enable its use by mobile network operators (MNOs) globally.
In addition to direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity, Iridium NTN Direct will offer narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) messaging. It will be available for automobiles, agriculture, transportation, logistics, energy and utilities.
According to the press release, Iridium NTN Direct will offer a fully deployed, owned, and operated satellite constellation and globally coordinated mobile satellite services.
Iridium NTN has been accepted by 3GPP Release 19, which is expected to be finished by the end of the year. The first Iridium NTN Direct-connected devices will be available in 2026, according to the press release from Syniverse and Iridium.
Syniverse serves approximately 600 carriers directly in 170 countries. It connects more than 830 mobile operators with their global IPX backbone.
“We’re building the backbone of the global D2D movement, the right way and with the right partners as we prepare for on-air testing with MNOs and chipmakers in the coming months,” Iridium CEO Matt Desch said in the press release about the partnership with Syniverse. “The integration of Syniverse’s system with the Iridium network will give MNOs a simple path to expand their footprint to the entire planet.”
There may soon be more spectrum available for this and other innovations. This week, theFederal Communications Commission (FCC) said it could make available more than 20,000 megahertz of spectrum for broadband delivered via satellite — more than the current available satellite broadband spectrum.
The Notice Proposed Rulemaking says it plans to request commentary on expanding satellite connectivity across the 12.7-13.25 GHz, 42.0-42.5 GHz, 51.4-52.4 GHz, and the so-called “W-band” at 92.0-94.0 GHz, 94.1-100 GHz, 102.0-109.5 GHz, and 111.8-114.25 GHz spectrum brands.
