Iridium Launches Project Stardust for Global IoT and Direct-to-Device Connectivity

Discover Iridium Communications' Project Stardust, an initiative offering standards-based IoT and Direct-to-Device service via its operational LEO satellite network. Learn about its impact on 5G and IoT sectors.
Iridium Launches Project Stardust for Global IoT and Direct-to-Device Connectivity
Image Credit: Iridium

Project Stardust: Revolutionizing IoT and D2D Communication


Iridium Communications Inc., a pioneer in global satellite voice and data communication, has recently unveiled its ambitious Project Stardust. This innovative venture aims to integrate 3GPP 5G standards-based Narrowband-Internet of Things (NB-IoT) into its Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) service. This integration will utilize Iridium’s current satellite infrastructure, marking a significant step in the evolution of Direct-to-Device (D2D) strategy and IoT services.

Strategic Collaboration and Industry Impact

Iridium’s initiative opens a unique window for collaboration with smartphone manufacturers, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), chipmakers, mobile network operators (MNOs), and IoT developers. These partnerships aim to integrate industry requirements directly into the Iridium network, enhancing the satellite constellation’s flexibility and capability. Matt Desch, Iridium’s CEO, highlights this development as a testament to Iridium’s network versatility and its leading position in adopting a standards-based approach for global coverage.

Advanced Capabilities of NB-IoT Offering

The company is tailoring its initial NB-IoT offerings to support 5G NTN messaging and SOS capabilities for a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and cars. This advancement will allow manufacturers to integrate satellite connectivity into standard devices, leveraging Iridium’s globally allocated spectrum. The low-latency user experience provided by Iridium’s LEO satellites will significantly enhance connectivity solutions.

Supporting Global Emergencies and IoT Ecosystem

Iridium’s network, supporting around 1,300 SOS and emergency incidents globally each year, demonstrates its readiness to expand this capacity to new devices. The company emphasizes its commitment to facilitating rapid product development and certification for chipmakers and IoT developers. With a network of approximately 500 partners, Iridium offers a flexible integration approach, catering to proprietary, standards-based, or dual-solution needs.

Competitive Advantages of Iridium’s Satellite Constellation

The company’s fully crosslinked LEO architecture and global L-band spectrum stand out against other LEO and geostationary satellite networks. Accredited for safety of life services, Iridium prides itself on reliability, unaffected by the limitations and challenges faced by geostationary systems.

Two Decades of Leadership in Satellite IoT

Iridium, with over two decades of experience, has built an unrivaled partner ecosystem, serving more than 2.2 million users worldwide. The company’s consistent subscriber growth and a substantial IoT customer base underscore its role as a trusted provider in satellite IoT and personal communications. The low power requirements and comprehensive coverage of the Iridium network make it an ideal choice for the upcoming NB-IoT NTN service.

Fostering Future Developments and Partnerships

Iridium is actively engaging with companies specializing in D2D and IoT to integrate their use cases and needs into the upcoming service. With testing anticipated to start in 2025 and service launch expected in 2026, Iridium is at the forefront of shaping the future of global IoT and D2D connectivity. For more information or to participate in the development process, interested parties are encouraged to visit Iridium’s Project Stardust page.


Recent Content

Singtel launches 5G+, introducing nationwide network slicing for both consumers and enterprises, a global first. This upgrade brings faster speeds, lower latency, stronger indoor coverage, and real-time cyber protection to over 1.5 million users. Singtel 5G+ enhances mobile connectivity with the 700MHz spectrum, priority plans, and app-based slicing for business-critical apps, aligning with Singapore’s Smart Nation goals.
Network APIs are redefining the telecom sector, enabling real-time services, secure mobile payments, IoT support, and cross-industry innovation. With projected market growth to $30B by 2030, telecom leaders are focusing on standardization, ecosystem collaboration, and developer engagement to unlock the full value of APIs in the 5G era.
 Virgin Media O2 and Daisy Group have joined forces to form a £1.4B B2B telecom and IT services powerhouse, targeting UK enterprises with an integrated offering that includes private 5G, cloud, AI, and cybersecurity solutions. With Virgin Media O2 holding a 70% stake and Daisy 30%, the new entity aims to accelerate enterprise digital transformation, drive operational synergies, and compete against both traditional telcos and cloud-first players in a fast-evolving market.
OpenAI’s Stargate project—a $500B plan to build global AI infrastructure—is facing delays in the U.S. due to rising tariffs and economic uncertainty. While the first phase in Texas slows, OpenAI is shifting focus internationally with “OpenAI for Countries,” a new initiative to co-build sovereign AI data centers worldwide. Backed by Oracle and SoftBank, Stargate is designed to support massive AI workloads and reshape global compute power distribution.
This article breaks down the core distinctions between Quasi-Earth fixed beams and Earth-moving beams in LEO/MEO satellite networks. It explores their application in both transparent and regenerative NTN architectures, the dynamic association of beams to ground cells, TAC list management, and the implications for UE mobility and network signaling.
Indoor 5G enables high-speed, low-latency connectivity in enclosed environments like offices, hospitals, and airports, supporting mission-critical applications and smart building operations. The market is driven by technological advancements in small cells, distributed antenna systems, and a mix of mmWave and Sub-6 GHz bands. Asia-Pacific leads in adoption due to smart city initiatives and government support. Picocells and antennas are key components, with growing demand in emerging economies fueled by subsidies and infrastructure upgrades. Recent developments include partnerships and acquisitions aimed at strengthening indoor 5G capabilities.
Whitepaper
Explore how Generative AI is transforming telecom infrastructure by solving critical industry challenges like massive data management, network optimization, and personalized customer experiences. This whitepaper offers in-depth insights into AI and Gen AI's role in boosting operational efficiency while ensuring security and regulatory compliance. Telecom operators can harness these AI-driven...
Supermicro and Nvidia Logo
Whitepaper
The whitepaper, "How Is Generative AI Optimizing Operational Efficiency and Assurance," provides an in-depth exploration of how Generative AI is transforming the telecom industry. It highlights how AI-driven solutions enhance customer support, optimize network performance, and drive personalized marketing strategies. Additionally, the whitepaper addresses the challenges of integrating AI into...
RADCOM Logo
Article & Insights
Non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) have evolved from experimental satellite systems to integral components of global connectivity. The transition from geostationary satellites to low Earth orbit constellations has significantly enhanced mobile broadband services. With the adoption of 3GPP standards, NTNs now seamlessly integrate with terrestrial networks, providing expanded coverage and new opportunities,...

Download Magazine

With Subscription

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Scroll to Top