Key insights (AI-powered):
Live NB-IoT NTN testing on an operational LEO constellation signals the satellite moving from proprietary stacks to standards-driven cellular coverage expansions.
For IoT providers, this reduces integration risk and promotes single-SKU device designs that seamlessly transition between terrestrial and space networks, reshaping hardware roadmaps and certification strategies.
For mobile network operators, a non-competitive wholesale model and a full global presence could accelerate commercial NTN roaming agreements and new SLAs in remote operations.
This development reinforces the broader trend of convergence of terrestrial 5G, NTN and low-power IoT into a unified, standards-based connectivity structure.
On-air testing underway: Iridium NTN Direct is preparing for beta testing as testing continues
The first message sent from a cell phone via Iridium NTN direct service Read: “To Iridium and Beyond.”
Iridium Communications Inc., a leading provider of global voice, data and PNT satellite services, today announced successful on-air testing of Iridium NTN Direct℠, including two-way messaging over its Low Earth Satellite (LEO) network. This milestone marks a significant step forward as Iridium prepares for beta testing and commercial service of Iridium NTN Direct in 2026.
Iridium NTN Direct is being developed as the world’s first truly global, standards-based NB-IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) service for non-terrestrial networks (NTN). With Iridium NTN Direct, mobile network operators (MNOs) can extend coverage beyond terrestrial networks, while chipset manufacturers and device manufacturers can integrate standardized satellite capabilities into their products to support this expanded reach.
“Iridium NTN Direct is no longer a concept, it is on the air, sending messages and is now being rigorously tested to meet our elite performance standards.” said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium.
“This milestone underscores why mobile network operators and chipset manufacturers are working with Iridium. We provide a low-risk, globally coordinated and operational network designed to complement what they do, not compete with what they do.”
The successful tests leverage new 5G waveform algorithms implemented on Iridium’s software-defined satellites. Support protocol based on NB-IoT standards defined by 3GPP. Enabled by a software update to the Iridium constellation, the first low-power mobile-derived messages were transmitted nRF9151 LTE-M/NB-IoT/NTN module from Nordic Semiconductora global leader in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, reflecting Iridium’s previously announced collaboration.
“This successful test proves that global connectivity is no longer limited by infrastructure – we can now deploy battery-powered connected devices anywhere using a standard, low-power module like Nordic’s nRF9151.” said Oyvind Birkenes, EVP Long-Range BU at Nordic Semiconductor. “Our roadmap is fully aligned with Iridium’s plans for 2026 and we are committed to accelerating the mass market adoption of standards-based, space-based IoT for all.”
Iridium NTN Direct is designed for a wide range of use cases both consumer and industrial marketsincluding emergency and security messaging, asset tracking, automotive and transportation monitoring, utilities, logistics, agriculture and remote infrastructure maintenance. For MNOs, the service represents an incremental way to fill coverage gaps, improve customer loyalty and create new revenue streams without the need to build or maintain additional terrestrial infrastructure. For chipset manufacturers and OEMs, it enables a single, standards-based hardware platform that can support global connectivity across both terrestrial and satellite networks.
Unlike regional or cellular spectrum-based satellite solutions, Iridium NTN Direct is designed to provide 100 percent global coverage, leveraging the existing constellation that already supports mission-critical communications worldwide. This approach reduces technical, regulatory and commercial barriers for partners and accelerates time to market.
Iridium plans to continue to expand on-air testing and partner integrations in the coming months as it moves toward commercial availability of Iridium NTN Direct in 2026.
