S3 Group has partnered with Iridium on other recent projects, including the contribution of technology to the MSS operator’s 9602 short burst data transceiver product. S3 Group also is developing an Iridium RF custom integrated circuit that will allow next-generation Iridium communications devices to deliver upgraded services enabled by the NEXT system.

    “More than 275 partner companies design, build and launch innovative, new products and services that extend the reach of our unique network,” Iridium CEO Matt Desch said in a statement. “So, it is critical for us to select the strongest design partners when it comes to development of our core devices. S3 Group is a category leader, having delivered a first-time-right working chipset for the Iridium 9602, and ahead of schedule.  That made S3 Group a natural choice to develop the new RF integrated circuit for Iridium NEXT.”