MCLEAN, VA, July 29, 2026 – Iridium Communications is partnering with SKYWAVE to embed its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network and Short Burst Data (SBD) service into SKYWAVE’s multi-network IoT platform, giving OEMs a way to extend remote monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance across cellular, Wi-Fi, and satellite, no matter where the equipment operates.
Under the integration, Iridium SBD gets built into SKYWAVE’s satellite IoT hardware. OEMs running the OGx IoT platform can then reach Iridium’s satellite constellation through the same interface they use for terrestrial networks.
Beyond monitoring and diagnostics, the setup covers service support and lets manufacturers bring older connected equipment fleets onto the newer multi-network architecture.
The companies say the underlying design can carry over to other industrial segments where assets sit outside cellular range, whether that means remote mining sites, offshore platforms, or equipment moving through regions with patchy coverage.
“For more than two decades, Iridium has provided the only pole-to-pole mobile satellite network, delivering the coverage, resiliency, and reliability that mission-critical operations demand,” said Matt Desch, CEO, Iridium. “We look forward to partnering with SKYWAVE to bring Iridium’s global LEO capabilities to industrial IoT customers operating in even the most demanding environments.”
“This partnership is an important step in SKYWAVE’s mission to become the intelligent networking layer for industrial IoT,” said Sameer Agrawal, chief executive officer of ORBCOMM. “Heavy equipment OEMs are looking for ways to modernize legacy deployments, expand connected service capabilities and deliver reliable digital experiences wherever their equipment operates. By combining Iridium’s global LEO capabilities with SKYWAVE’s platform, we are enabling OEMs to build and scale those capabilities across multiple networks.”
Source: Iridium
About Iridium Communications
Iridium Communications operates a global mobile satellite network for voice, data and messaging services. Founded in 1998, the company is headquartered in McLean, VA. Its services include satellite telephony, broadband, push-to-talk communications and IoT connectivity. Iridium also provides positioning, navigation and timing services through Satelles. Its satellite constellation supports aircraft surveillance through Aireon, a space-based air traffic monitoring system. The company is also developing direct-to-device satellite communications based on open standards. Iridium works with more than 500 technology, equipment, distribution and service partners. Customers include government agencies, military organizations, airlines, shipping companies, industrial operators and emergency response teams. The company also serves energy, mining, construction, transportation, research and consumer markets. Iridium has about 2.65 million billable subscribers and 1000 employees.
About SKYWAVE
SKYWAVE, an ORBCOMM company, provides satellite and cellular connectivity for industrial IoT applications. Founded in 1997, the company is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada. Its products include satellite modems, hybrid connectivity devices, managed networks, data automation tools and application software. Its device portfolio includes the ST 4000, ST 9100, SC 1000, ST 6100, ST 6000 and ST 2100. SKYWAVE works with equipment manufacturers, system integrators, software providers, and distributors. Customers use its systems for asset tracking, equipment monitoring, telemetry and remote data collection. The services connect fixed and mobile assets operating outside reliable terrestrial network coverage. SKYWAVE supports transportation, agriculture, mining, utilities, oil and gas, and maritime operations. Its network connects more than 800,000 industrial assets through over 500 partners in 90 countries. Parent company ORBCOMM employs about 800 people across 25 countries.