Altair Semiconductor is integrating Iridium’s satellite connectivity technology into two IoT chipset platforms, enabling devices to switch between terrestrial cellular networks and satellite connectivity without requiring a separate satellite modem.
The integration of Iridium NTN Direct into Altair’s ALT1350 and next-generation ALT1550 chipsets is intended to extend connectivity to devices operating beyond the reach of terrestrial networks, including remote infrastructure, agricultural equipment and asset-tracking systems.
The ALT1350 supports low-power LTE-M and NB-IoT connectivity, targeting applications such as smart metering, logistics, vehicle telematics and industrial monitoring. The ALT1550 is designed for 5G reduced-capability (RedCap) devices, including wearables and AI-enabled consumer products.
The companies said combining cellular and satellite capabilities on a single chipset would give device manufacturers and mobile network operators another option for maintaining connectivity in areas without terrestrial coverage.
“Integrating Iridium NTN Direct into Altair’s chipsets will enable solutions and applications that require reliable, low-power connectivity beyond the limits of terrestrial networks,” said Tim Last, Executive Vice-President at Iridium.
Iridium NTN Direct uses the company’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation and globally coordinated L-band spectrum to provide non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity based on 3GPP standards.
The service is designed to support NB-IoT and direct-to-device communications using compatible chipsets, allowing devices to connect directly through the satellite network rather than relying exclusively on terrestrial mobile infrastructure.
Dima Feldman, Vice-President of Product Management and Marketing at Altair Semiconductor, said the integration would give customers greater flexibility in how and where their devices connect.
The announcement adds Altair to a growing ecosystem of chipset manufacturers, module suppliers and device makers working to integrate satellite and cellular connectivity. However, the practical benefits will depend on service availability, device compatibility and the power and cost requirements of individual applications.
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