Vodafone IoT partners with Iridium to provide its customers with NTN NB-IoT Connectivity

today announced a new partnership with (NASDAQ: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and PNT (positioning, navigation, and timing) satellite services, to integrate its service. The new partnership aims to extend Vodafone IoT’s coverage beyond the range of terrestrial networks – meaning that devices in the most remote locations will be connected.

Through this partnership, Vodafone IoT will gain access to Iridium NTN Direct – the 3GPP standards-based service providing Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) connectivity – which will keep customers’ IoT devices ubiquitously connected.

Planned for commercial launch in 2026, Iridium NTN Direct will connect Vodafone IoT’s customers using the for data messaging, tracking, and real-time monitoring for IoT, automotive, and industrial devices. This is particularly valuable for industries that demand connectivity in extremely remote locations – such as windfarms, oil pipelines, shipping tracking and emergency services.

Erik Brenneis, CEO of Vodafone IoT, said: “We are extremely excited to announce this new partnership with Iridium which opens the door to a new generation of IoT connectivity. By using satellite connectivity, 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.”

Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium, said: “Iridium NTN Direct stands out among NTN and NB-IoT services by offering MNOs – like Vodafone IoT – an unmatched combination of truly global coverage, reliability, and capability. 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."

With a history of providing safety of life services with the highest reliability, the Iridium network is ideal for direct-to-device (D2D) and NB-IoT services. Operating on globally coordinated L-band spectrum with proven infrastructure, Iridium has an established track record of providing reliable, weather-resilient, and low-power connectivity at scale. This provides a critical advantage for NB-IoT and D2D applications, where consistent performance in remote and mobile environments matters most.

Upon successful integration and testing, Iridium and Vodafone IoT plan to launch a full commercial service for customers across the globe.

For more information about Iridium NTN Direct visit:

About Vodafone IoT

Vodafone IoT is a global leader in managed IoT connectivity services. With over 215 million devices connected across more than 180 countries, we provide businesses with reliable and secure IoT solutions, enabling them to effectively manage, monitor, and operate their IoT devices.

Our extensive network partnerships, spanning over 760 networks worldwide, allows us to deliver global IoT solutions that empower businesses to digitalise, transform and maximise the benefits of IoT.

By adopting IoT, businesses can benefit from smarter resource management, reducing emissions, and enhancing operational efficiency – helping them to operate more sustainably.

For more information, please visit , follow us on X at @VodafoneIoT or connect with us on LinkedIn at

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium^® is the only mobile voice, data, and PNT satellite 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. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and its positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services, and partner solutions, visit