EP 224 - Spectrum, Payloads, and the Future of Satellite AIoT

In this episode, we spoke with Ian Itz, Executive Director of IoT at Iridium, about how satellite connectivity is transforming the reach and resilience of IoT solutions worldwide. Ian went from building satellites for the U.S. Navy and Air Force to leading Iridium's IoT business, where he oversees global partnerships and next-generation satellite-enabled modules. We explored how Iridium's unique low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation is supporting both industrial and consumer applications, and how standards-based approaches such as NB-IoT are expanding the satellite IoT ecosystem.

Key Insights:

• Global coverage at scale: Iridium operates a 75-satellite LEO constellation, providing always-on connectivity anywhere on Earth, enabling reliable communication in maritime, aviation, heavy equipment, regulated fishing, and consumer markets.

• No service sunsets: Iridium maintains backward compatibility for legacy devices, ensuring IoT deployments can operate for 10+ years without forced upgrades, while still adding new higher-throughput modules like the 9704.

• Standards-based evolution: Beyond proprietary protocols, Iridium is integrating NB-IoT over its network with partners such as Nordic Semiconductor, giving customers more choice and flexibility.

• Edge + AIoT synergy: By processing data at the edge and sending only essential packets via satellite, customers reduce costs and improve efficiency. AIoT adoption is accelerating this model for industrial and consumer use cases.

• Security and precision: With its new PNT (Positioning, Navigation & Timing) service, Iridium enhances GPS resilience, detecting spoofing and providing verified location data, critical for sensitive IoT deployments.

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