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Iridium Partners With Karrier One to Expand Global IoT Connectivity

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Key Takeaways

  • Iridium signed an MOU with Karrier One to integrate NTN DirectSM IoT into its ecosystem.
  • The deal enables sensors and devices to connect anywhere without local base stations.
  • Iridium's LEO constellation offers pole-to-pole coverage for resilient global IoT links.

Iridium Communications Inc. (IRDM - Free Report) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Karrier One, a pioneer in decentralized telecom infrastructure. The agreement will see Iridium’s non-terrestrial networks (NTN) DirectSM IoT capabilities integrated directly into the Karrier One ecosystem, creating new opportunities for global connectivity.

The MOU underscores a shared vision between the two companies, one where connectivity is no longer defined by geography. A bilateral agreement outlining technical integration and commercial rollout is expected to follow.

What Does This Collaboration Offer?

Through this collaboration, Karrier One deployers will be able to connect sensors, devices and critical monitoring equipment anywhere on the planet, even in regions far beyond the reach of terrestrial mobile networks, without the need to install or operate a local base station.

By leveraging Iridium’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation, the partnership eliminates the need for base station deployment, giving innovators instant global connectivity for IoT solutions.

Management highlighted that Iridium’s unique satellite architecture provides reliable pole-to-pole coverage that users can count on, making it the perfect fit for Karrier One’s mission to connect the unconnected.

The integration will deliver a number of advantages, which include immediate global reach for narrowband IoT devices, zero infrastructure deployment where deployers can focus on applications rather than building towers, resilient M2M communications for critical industries such as maritime, oil & gas, and environmental monitoring and seamless access to Iridium connectivity through Karrier One’s platform and APIs.

Recently, Iridium partnered with Deutsche Telekom to deliver global connectivity through Iridium’s upcoming NTN Direct service. This collaboration positions both companies at the forefront of 3GPP standards-based, 5G-powered NTN, bringing direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity for IoT to customers across industries and geographies.

In May 2025, Iridium teamed up with Syniverse, a top provider of mobile connectivity solutions, to enable the global deployment of its new Iridium NTN Direct service, a cutting-edge, standards-based Non-Terrestrial Network service. The initiative aims to provide direct-to-device and narrowband IoT connectivity globally, seamlessly integrated with terrestrial mobile networks.

Iridium has been making solid R&D investments to boost its technology infrastructure. The company expects to generate about $1 billion in annual Service revenues by 2030. To achieve this long-term goal, management is focused on developing several services, including Satellite Time and Location (STL), Midband services, D2D and satellite-based personal communication devices.

However, the company has cut its 2025 service revenue growth view to 3-5% (from 5-7%), citing the maritime broadband transition, USAID-related voice losses and a PNT revenue delay to 2026. Moreover, tariff woes and high debt are added worries.

IRDM’s Zacks Rank & Stock Price Performance

Iridium currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Shares of the company have lost 37.8% in the past year against the Zacks Satellite and Communication industry's rise of 164.2%.

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Stocks to Consider From the Computer and Technology Space

Some better-ranked stocks from the broader technology space are TaskUs, Inc. (TASK - Free Report) , Cadence Design Systems, Inc. (CDNS - Free Report) and Genpact Limited (G - Free Report) . TASK sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while CDNS and G carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

TaskUs’ earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 13.01%. In the last reported quarter, TASK delivered an earnings surprise of 26.47%. Its shares have soared 42.3% in the past year.

Cadence’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 6.92%. In the last reported quarter, CDNS delivered an earnings surprise of 5.10%. Its shares have surged 29.3% in the past year.

Genpact’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 5.15%. In the last reported quarter, G delivered an earnings surprise of 3.53%. Its shares have inched up 4.5% in the past year.

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