GCT Semiconductor and Iridium collaborate to integrate NTN direct service into GDM7243SL chipset

GCT Semiconductor and Iridium Communications  announced a memorandum of understanding to integrate Iridium’s NTN Direct service into GCT’s GDM7243SL 4G/5G chipset. The collaboration aims to develop a Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) chipset compliant with 3GPP Release 19 standards, enabling satellite connectivity for 5G Advanced applications.
The companies will work together to accelerate the chipset’s development and explore business models, use cases, and commercial deployment requirements for IoT solutions such as trackers and satellite phones. John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT, stated that the partnership leverages GCT’s expertise in 4G, 5G, and non-terrestrial network technology to expand into the satellite IoT market. Greg Pelton, CTO of Iridium, noted that the integration aims to provide global, standards-based connectivity in a compact form for GCT’s customers.