GCT Semiconductor Holding Inc. (NYSE: GCTS) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) to jointly develop a new satellite-enabled NB-IoT chipset. The collaboration will integrate Iridium’s NTN Direct℠ service into GCT’s GDM7243SL chipset, aiming to bring global non-terrestrial 5G connectivity to compact IoT devices.
The two companies will align on development requirements tied to the 3GPP Release 19 specification, targeting the next phase of 5G Advanced services. The move positions both firms at the forefront of satellite-augmented mobile connectivity, a growing market as demand for ubiquitous IoT expands across logistics, remote monitoring, emergency services, and agriculture.
“GCT is excited to partner with Iridium to extend our reach into the non-terrestrial market,” said John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT Semiconductor. “This collaboration builds on our leadership in multi-mode IoT chipsets and brings our technology closer to enabling truly global connectivity.”
Greg Pelton, Chief Technology Officer at Iridium, said the integration will allow GCT’s customers to benefit from “reliable, standards-based satellite connectivity in a compact, efficient form,” a critical factor in scaling global IoT deployments.
The announcement comes amid increased interest in satellite-enabled 5G technologies as telecom and space players seek to bridge the coverage gap between terrestrial networks and remote or underserved regions.
With this partnership, GCT and Iridium are betting on a hybrid future—where terrestrial and satellite networks converge to deliver seamless, global IoT infrastructure.
