Iridium and Altair Integrate Satellite Connectivity into IoT Chipsets

Iridium Communications Inc. announced that Altair Semiconductor is integrating Iridium NTN Direct capability into its ALT1350 and ALT1550 IoT chipset platforms. This integration combines terrestrial cellular IoT and satellite connectivity on a single chipset, removing the need for device manufacturers to include a separate satellite modem.

The ALT1350 chipset is designed for industrial monitoring, logistics, and asset tracking, while the ALT1550 extends these capabilities to 5G eRedCap devices, such as wearables and AI assistants. The system utilizes a low Earth orbit satellite constellation and L-band spectrum to support NB-IoT and direct-to-device applications based on 3GPP standards.

Iridium Executive Vice President Tim Last stated the partnership extends the reach of IoT solutions via a global satellite network. Altair Semiconductor VP of Product Management and Marketing Dima Feldman noted that the integration allows manufacturers to develop solutions that work reliably anywhere they are deployed.