Altair integrates Iridium satellite connectivity into cellular IoT chipsets
Altair Semiconductor is integrating Iridium NTN Direct satellite connectivity into its ALT1350 and next-generation ALT1550 cellular IoT chipsets, enabling devices to switch between terrestrial cellular networks and satellite connectivity without requiring a separate satellite modem.
Announced by Iridium Communications on 14 October 2026, the collaboration combines Altair’s low-power cellular IoT technology with Iridium’s 3GPP standards-based non-terrestrial network (NTN) service. The integration is intended to help device manufacturers, module developers and mobile network operators extend connectivity to devices operating beyond the reach of terrestrial networks.
The ultra-low-power ALT1350 supports LTE-M and NB-IoT applications, including asset tracking, logistics, smart metering, utilities, agriculture, vehicle telematics, industrial monitoring and remote infrastructure.
The ALT1550 extends the approach to a new generation of AI-enabled 5G eRedCap devices. Potential applications include smart glasses, AI assistants and other wearable products that need connectivity beyond conventional cellular coverage.
“Altair has deep experience developing highly integrated, low-power IoT solutions, and we’re excited to work together to extend their reach with Iridium’s truly global satellite network,” said Tim Last, executive vice-president at Iridium. “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.”
“Adding Iridium NTN Direct to our ultra-low-power LTE-M/NB-IoT ALT1350 and 5G eRedCap ALT1550 chipsets reflects our commitment to giving customers greater flexibility in how and where their IoT devices connect,” said Dima Feldman, vice-president of product management and marketing at Altair Semiconductor. “With Iridium’s global LEO satellite connectivity alongside terrestrial cellular, device manufacturers can more easily develop solutions designed to work wherever they are deployed.”
Iridium NTN Direct extends IoT connectivity beyond cellular networks
Iridium NTN Direct uses the company’s operational low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation and globally coordinated L-band spectrum to extend standards-based connectivity beyond terrestrial networks.
The service is designed to support NB-IoT and direct-to-device (D2D) applications using compatible chipsets based on 3GPP standards. It provides mobile network operators, chipset suppliers and device manufacturers with a route to incorporate satellite connectivity into products without adding a separate satellite modem.
Altair joins a growing ecosystem of chipset manufacturers, module suppliers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), device makers and IoT developers working to bring Iridium NTN Direct-enabled products to market.
