A New Era of Non-Terrestrial Networks
Any Device. Any Location. Connected.
ridium NTN DirectSM is built on the fully operational Iridium® low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellation and globally coordinated L-band spectrum, combining proven reliability with standards-based service included as part of 3GPP Release-19.
Benefit highlights:
- Truly global coverage — pole-to-pole reach leveraging Iridium’s 66-satellite LEO network
- Standards-based integration — NB-IoT and Direct-to-Device (D2D) using industry standards
- Seamless terrestrial convergence — works alongside and extends MNO networks
- Low-power & low-cost readiness — chipsets and modules coming from a growing number of world class partners
85% of MOBILE NETWORK OPERATORS will use NTN to reach customers outside their region and plan to usE LEO satellites*
Iridium NTN Direct is the only service that will connect them from pole-to-pole.
*Based on GSMAʼs 2025 Industry Survey
The Path to Truly Global Connectivity
Iridium NTN Direct is not an incremental add-on—it’s a paradigm shift.
- Built on a network that’s already global, no new constellation required.
- Designed for NB-IoT and D2D devices, enabling massive scale and low cost.
- Designed to mesh seamlessly with terrestrial networks, enabling roaming, fallback and global reach.
As industries expand into new frontiers, companies supporting remote logistics, autonomous vehicles, and connected sensors in extreme geographies increasingly face the limitations of cellular networks. Iridium NTN Direct addresses those limitations by:
- Offering network reach where no cell tower exists—across sea, desert, north and south poles and everywhere in between.
- Leveraging a suite of partners (chipsets, modules, MNOs, platforms) to make integration simpler, faster and cost-effective.
- Enabling IoT and devices to connect globally without bespoke satellite hardware or proprietary protocols.
Industries Empowered by NTN Direct
Launching in 2026, Iridium NTN Direct will unlock new possibilities across transportation, utilities, agriculture, consumer electronics, and industrial IoT, especially where traditional connectivity cannot reach.
Mobility & Automotive
Real-time tracking, remote diagnostics, and global roaming connectivity for vehicles and mobile assets.
Utilities & Energy
Remote sensors, grid monitoring, pipeline telemetry, and emergency response in off-grid regions.
Agriculture & Environment
Smart sensors, equipment telemetry, and large-area coverage for farms, remote sensors, and environmental monitoring.
Mass-Market IoT & Consumer Devices
Everyday devices like smartphones, wearables, and asset trackers can have global satellite connectivity via Iridium NTN Direct.
