Iridium Satellite
May 12th, 2021
Iridium Satellite today announced that Qualcomm Technologies, a leading smartphone chipmaker, has integrated Iridium’s two-way satellite communications across its product portfolio including technologies that power flagship smartphones, next-generation laptops as well as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, and infrastructure solutions.
Qualcomm is the newest commercial partner for Iridium in the continued development of its terrestrial ecosystem. Designed to rapidly commercialize 5G, Iridium’s satellite technology will extend the capability to mobile broadband, fixed wireless, industrial IoT and private network applications. It also offers greater 5G deployment flexibility with increased spectrum aggregation options.
In partnership with Qualcomm, Iridium is planning to act as a mobile roaming partner in space, offering connections to 5G users who stray outside the reach of their provider’s terrestrial network. Iridium is fully invested in the prospect of NTN in Release 17 to allow satellite connectivity to future 5G phones, utilizing both L-Band and S-Band spectrum between 1.5GHz and 2.5GHz.
In the certain areas of the globe not covered by cellular connectivity services and other areas not covered by roaming arrangements, Iridium Satellite offers a strong option to close this coverage gap, particularly for IoT or emergency operations. Especially in IoT, the market need and urgency for a 3GPP-standard hybrid satellite-terrestrial IoT solution within Release 17 have been expressed by MNOs [mobile network operators], satellite operators and IoT application vendors. Iridium’s L-band and S-Band satellites would offer a complete solution to the market and can already provide global coverage.
As of 2021, Iridium operates the constellation of 66 active satellites used for worldwide voice and data communication from hand-held satellite phones and other transceiver units. Since 2020, Iridium commercial IoT subscribers grew 20% and exceeded 950,000 customers, continuing the company’s growing position as the premier satellite IoT company. Interested companies can also request a full featured demo kit or more information by visiting
https://www.iridium.com/products/iridium-go/
About Iridium Satellite
Iridium Satellite is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications.
