Iridium’s satellite network. Photo: Iridium

Qualcomm Technologies (QTI) has integrated Iridium’s satellite connectivity into its Snapdragon Mission Tactical Radio (MTR) for adoption by U.S. government customers and allied partners, the companies announced Tuesday. 

This opens the door to devices with Qualcomm chips and the Iridium integration that can be activated on the Enhanced Mobile Satellite Services (EMSS) program, Iridium’s contract which that the U.S. government departments and agencies unlimited voice and narrowband data on its satellite network.

Iridium said these devices are expected to be available after commercial agreements are finalized between Iridium, Qualcomm, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This could include devices ranging from handheld to mounted radios to autonomous vehicles. 

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

The Snapdragon MTR can integrate Iridium’s Short Burst Data service for low-latency messaging and telemetry, and Iridium Burst for broadcasting to many devices. 

Iridium and QTI are also working to make Iridium data services available via the SnapdragonX75 5G Modem-RF System in the form of an M.2 modem module for government partners.