Vodafone IoT Partners with Iridium to Extend NB-IoT Coverage via Satellite
Vodafone IoT has signed a partnership with Iridium Communications to integrate the Iridium NTN Direct℠ service into its global IoT platform, extending NB-IoT coverage to even the most remote locations worldwide.
The collaboration will allow Vodafone IoT customers to connect their NB-IoT devices directly via Iridium’s L-band satellite network, ensuring reliable data, messaging, and tracking for critical industrial, automotive, and infrastructure applications operating beyond terrestrial coverage.
Powered by 3GPP standards-based Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) technology, Iridium NTN Direct provides seamless direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity without the need for specialized hardware. The partnership positions Vodafone IoT among the first major global operators to adopt Iridium’s next-generation service, which is planned for commercial launch in 2026.