Iridium Communications has announced a new partnership with Syniverse to support the rollout of Iridium NTN Direct service with mobile network operators (MNOs) worldwide. Through this collaboration, Iridium NTN Direct is integrating with Syniverse’s global platform, making it easy for MNOs to keep their customers continuously connected everywhere on the planet.
According to GSMA’s 2025 Industry Survey, 85% of MNOs planning to pursue non-terrestrial network (NTN) service are seeking a Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) solution that extends their coverage globally. As part of 3GPP Release 19, Iridium NTN Direct will provide truly global, standards-based direct-to-device (D2D) and narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) messaging and SOS for consumer devices, automobiles and industrial applications in agriculture, transportation, logistics, energy and utilities.
The combination of MNO requirements and Iridium NTN Direct capabilities makes it the ideal solution. With Iridium NTN Direct, MNOs will know they have a reliable partner with a fully deployed, owned and operated satellite constellation, unmatched coverage, globally coordinated mobile satellite services (MSS) spectrum, and a history of providing reliable safety of life services.
“We’re building the backbone of the global D2D movement, the right way and with the right partners as we prepare for on-air testing with MNOs and chipmakers in the coming months,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “The integration of Syniverse’s system with the Iridium network will give MNOs a simple path to expand their footprint to the entire planet.”
“Satellite networks are becoming a natural extension of the mobile ecosystem, and our role at Syniverse is to make that transition seamless,” added Andrew Davies, Chief Executive Officer of Syniverse. “By integrating Iridium NTN Direct into the global mobile framework using standards-based, carrier-grade systems, Syniverse is simplifying deployment, ensuring consistency and security, and accelerating access to non-terrestrial connectivity.”
For more than 35 years, Syniverse’s work in mobile interoperability and clearing services has played a key role in enabling MNO adoption for satellite integration, which includes seamless customer roaming, authentication and billing functions. Their system serves approximately 600 carrier customers directly in 170 countries worldwide and connects over 830 mobile operators with their global IPX backbone. Fully 3GPP-compliant and standards-based, Syniverse ensures fast deployment, helping operators confidently unlock new markets.
Iridium NTN Direct stands out among Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) and NB-IoT services by providing MNOs with an unmatched combination of truly global coverage, reliability and capability. 3GPP Release 19 is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, and the first Iridium NTN Direct connected devices are planned to be available in 2026.
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