Iridium and Qualcomm Join Forces to Enable Satellite Connectivity in Snapdragon Mission Tactical Radio

Rhea-AI Summary

Iridium (NASDAQ: IRDM) and Qualcomm Technologies announced integration of Iridium data services into the Snapdragon Mission Tactical Radio (MTR) for U.S. government and approved allied users on October 14, 2025.

The integration supports multiple Iridium services in a single chipset, including Short Burst Data (SBD) for low-latency messaging and Iridium Burst for simultaneous broadcasts, delivering L-band satellite connectivity to handheld, mounted, and autonomous platforms where terrestrial networks are unavailable.

QTI-powered devices with integrated Iridium services will be eligible for activation via the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) program and availability depends on final commercial arrangements with OEMs. Demonstrations were planned at AUSA Oct 13–15, 2025.

Positive

• Integration of SBD and Iridium Burst into Snapdragon MTR
• L-band satellite connectivity for handheld, mounted, and autonomous platforms
• Devices eligible for activation under the EMSS program

Negative

• Availability contingent on finalization of commercial arrangements with OEMs
• Service eligibility limited to U.S. government and approved allied partners

Insights

Defense communications analyst

Integration of Iridium services into Snapdragon MTR expands assured L-band SATCOM options for U.S. and allied missions.

The Snapdragon Mission Tactical Radio now supports multiple Iridium data services, including Short Burst Data® and Iridium Burst®, enabling low-latency messaging, telemetry, and one-to-many broadcasts on a single chipset. The design targets devices with strict SWaP-C constraints and pairs the Iridium waveform with cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS capabilities from Qualcomm Technologies.

Operational value depends on final commercial arrangements and EMSS activation eligibility; the release notes availability is expected only after those steps complete. The integration reduces single-point dependency on terrestrial networks and offers an L-band fallback for congested or denied environments, but actual field impact will hinge on OEM adoption and provisioning under the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services program.

Watch for OEM integration announcements and EMSS activation timelines near Oct. 14, 2025 and follow demonstrations at AUSA Oct. 13-15, 2025 to assess practical device availability and certification paths over the next 6-18 months.

Satellite services business strategist

This partnership creates a clear commercial pathway to bundle Iridium L-band services into Qualcomm-powered tactical radios.

Bundling Iridium SBD and Iridium Burst into the Snapdragon platform creates a single-chip option for satellite data and broadcast services, simplifying OEM designs and activation through the EMSS program. The statement frames availability as contingent on final commercial arrangements among Qualcomm, Iridium, and OEMs, so revenue realization and scale depend on contract execution and government onboarding.

Risks include contract finalization and EMSS provisioning steps. Key near-term signals include OEM module announcements for the Snapdragon X75 M.2 form factor and formal EMSS activation notices; expect concrete commercial rollouts and procurement actions over the coming 6-12 months.

Multiple Iridium data services integrated into the powerful Snapdragon platform for U.S. government and allied users

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and PNT satellite services, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. (QTI) today announced that they have successfully integrated Iridium^® data services into the Snapdragon^® Mission Tactical Radio (MTR) and intend to make these services available for adoption and use by U.S. government customers and approved allied partners.

By integrating Iridium data services, Snapdragon MTR-equipped devices, ranging from handheld and mounted radios to autonomous vehicles, stand to benefit from flexible, highly reliable, and secure L-band satellite communications in environments where terrestrial networks are congested, compromised, or unavailable.

To meet diverse mission needs, the Snapdragon MTR can integrate multiple Iridium services into a single chipset: Short Burst Data^® (SBD^®), for proven low-latency messaging and telemetry, and Iridium Burst^®, for receipt of simultaneous broadcasts to an unlimited number of enabled devices. The Iridium waveform, coupled with QTI's leadership in commercial wireless capabilities such as cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GNSS, will enable powerful global connectivity in devices with strict size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) requirements.

Iridium Executive Vice President of Government Programs Scott Scheimreif said, "The Snapdragon MTR positions Iridium and QTI at the forefront of next-generation communications architectures while equipping warfighters and coalition partners with scalable solutions."

QTI-powered devices with integrated Iridium data services, which will be eligible for activation through the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) program, are expected to be available following finalization of commercial arrangements among QTI, Iridium and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Iridium EMSS connectivity provides trusted and protected access to satellite communications for an unlimited number of approved government users. This latest innovation marks another advancement in Iridium's commitment to the EMSS program, a longstanding partnership that delivers truly global standard and secure voice, broadcast, push-to-talk (PTT), and other services to approved government subscribers anywhere on Earth.

Iridium and QTI are working to make Iridium data services available via the Snapdragon^® X75 5G Modem-RF System in the form of an M.2 modem module for government partners who wish to create unique satellite connectivity solutions.

Iridium and QTI are highlighting Snapdragon MTR capabilities at the Association of the U.S. Army's (AUSA) annual convention October 13-15, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with demonstrations planned alongside industry partners.

For more information about the Iridium EMSS program, visit www.iridium.com/enhanced-mobile-satellite-services.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium^® is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations, and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. In 2024, Iridium acquired Satelles and its positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services, and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

Snapdragon is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. Snapdragon is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated.

Press Contact:		Investor Contact:
Jordan Hassin		Kenneth Levy
Iridium Communications Inc.		Iridium Communications Inc.
Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com		Ken.Levy@Iridium.com
+1 (703) 287-7421		+1 (703) 287-7570

 

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SOURCE Iridium Communications Inc.

FAQ

What did Iridium and Qualcomm announce about Snapdragon Mission Tactical Radio on October 14, 2025?

They announced integration of Iridium data services into Snapdragon MTR, enabling L-band satellite connectivity for government and approved allied users.

Which Iridium services are integrated into Snapdragon MTR (IRDM) devices?

The integration supports Short Burst Data (SBD) for low-latency messaging and Iridium Burst for simultaneous broadcasts.

When will Snapdragon MTR devices with Iridium services be available for activation under EMSS?

Devices are expected to be eligible for EMSS activation after final commercial arrangements among Qualcomm, Iridium, and OEMs are finalized.

Which device types will benefit from the Iridium integration in Snapdragon MTR?

Handheld and mounted radios, plus autonomous vehicles and other QTI-powered form factors with strict SWaP-C requirements.

Will Snapdragon X75 5G Modem-RF System support Iridium data services for government partners?

Iridium and Qualcomm plan to make services available via an M.2 modem module based on the Snapdragon X75 for government partners.