A vehicle sends a voice message through satellites, showing how connected devices can communicate beyond terrestrial mobile network coverage.
A Toyota vehicle has sent a voice message through Iridium’s satellite network using a Deutsche Telekom IoT SIM, demonstrating how vehicles can stay connected when terrestrial mobile networks are unavailable.
The demonstration was carried out by Iridium Communications and Deutsche Telekom IoT (DT IoT) with Toyota during Telekom Satellite Day 2026. The vehicle used a Nordic Semiconductor nRF9151 development board and a Deutsche Telekom IoT SIM to send the message entirely through Iridium’s low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network.
The first message, “testing, testing, one, two, freeway,” demonstrated standards-based Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) voice messaging over Iridium’s operational satellite constellation. Fraunhofer’s AI-based NESC voice codec was used to support the transmission.
The demonstration shows how satellite connectivity could be added to automotive and other IoT applications without relying only on terrestrial cellular coverage. Possible applications include connected vehicles, logistics, remote utilities, smart agriculture, and emergency response.
The capability is part of Iridium NTN Direct, which is designed to extend NB-IoT connectivity to devices outside terrestrial network coverage. Compatible devices can use terrestrial mobile networks where available and connect through Iridium satellites when they move beyond cellular coverage.
Iridium NTN Direct uses Iridium’s existing global L-band LEO satellite constellation. This allows mobile network operators, chipset manufacturers, and device makers to extend connectivity without deploying additional terrestrial infrastructure.
The demonstration follows the completion of technical integration between Iridium and Deutsche Telekom IoT. The companies have also completed a global roaming agreement, allowing eligible Deutsche Telekom IoT customers with compatible standards-based NB-IoT devices to access the Iridium network.
Selected customers in Europe are already testing applications on the Iridium network using Deutsche Telekom’s Global SIM. Commercial availability of Iridium NTN Direct for eligible Deutsche Telekom IoT customers is expected in the fourth quarter of 2026.
For Deutsche Telekom IoT customers, the service is intended to combine terrestrial and satellite networks under a single connectivity setup. This could allow IoT devices to remain connected as they move between areas with cellular coverage and areas where terrestrial networks are not available.
Iridium provides satellite services for voice, data, aircraft surveillance, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), while Deutsche Telekom IoT provides connectivity and IoT services.
