From next year, Vodafone IoT’s NB-IoT customers will be able to use the Iridium network for messaging, tracking and real-time monitoring of IoT, automotive and industrial devices
Iridium Communications, which provides global voice, data, and satellite services is to integrate its Iridium NTN Direct service into those of Vodafone IoT to extend the latter’s NB-IoT coverage. The partners say this will connect devices even in the most remote locations.
Iridium NTN Direct is a 3GPP standards-based service providing NB-IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity. The commercial launch is planned for next year, after integration and testing, for customers across the globe.
Vodafone IoT’s NB-IoT customers wiil then be able to use the Iridium network for messaging, tracking and real-time monitoring for IoT, automotive, and industrial devices. Industries that need connectivity in extremely remote locations include windfarms, oil pipelines, shipping tracking and emergency services.
Vodafone IoT offers managed IoT connectivity services that connect more than 215 million devices across more than 180 countries. It has more than 760 networks worldwide.
Unmatched combination
“Iridium NTN Direct stands out among NTN and NB-IoT services by offering [mobile operators] – like Vodafone IoT – an unmatched combination of truly global coverage, reliability, and capability,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “This collaboration will help transform the landscape of global connectivity by providing uncompromised scalability and advancing our shared vision to connect and empower enterprise assets and people everywhere.”
Erik Brenneis, CEO of Vodafone IoT, said, “By using direct-to-device satellite connectivity, new and existing customers will benefit from truly global coverage – meaning they can reliably connect their devices in corners of the world where they can’t today. This marks a significant step in our mission to connect everything, everywhere.”
Iridium says its network operates on globally coordinated L-band spectrum and has an established track record of providing reliable, weather-resilient, and low-power connectivity at scale.
