Mlink Launches Live Testing for Iridium NTN Direct Chipset

Key Takeaways

Mlink Technology has begun live testing of its MS150-IR IoT-NTN chipset with Iridium’s NTN Direct service.
The solution extends low-power IoT connectivity beyond terrestrial networks, aiming for certification by late 2026.
Iridium NTN Direct utilizes a global network of LEO satellites for reliable connectivity in various applications.

New Testing Phase for Mlink’s Chipset

Iridium Communications Inc. has announced that Mlink Technology Inc. has started live testing of its MS150-IR IoT-NTN chipset using Iridium’s NTN Direct service. This specialized version of the MS150 chipset is part of Mlink’s IoT-NTN product portfolio, developed to comply with Iridium’s 3GPP standards-based non-terrestrial network (NTN) service.

Mlink is joining a growing ecosystem of chipset manufacturers supporting Iridium NTN Direct. This initiative aims to enable device manufacturers, module makers, and mobile network operators (MNOs) to extend low-power IoT connectivity beyond terrestrial networks using a global satellite platform. Certification and product availability are anticipated before the end of 2026.

Tim Last, Executive Vice President at Iridium, expressed enthusiasm over Mlink’s transition from lab testing to live validation over their network, highlighting the technical readiness of Iridium NTN Direct. He emphasized the benefits the MS150-IR chipset would provide to partners and customers seeking global NB-IoT and device-to-device connectivity.

Mlink’s Co-Founder and Vice President, Zhiping An, noted that their MS150-IR chipset has successfully completed initial laboratory tests and is now moving into over-the-air testing. Mlink also introduced a reference design kit to expedite product development and commercialization, aiming to leverage Iridium NTN Direct for reliable and efficient global satellite communication.

Iridium NTN Direct relies on 66 cross-linked low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and 3GPP standards to deliver reliable, low-latency connectivity. This service is particularly suited for IoT applications such as asset tracking, logistics, utilities, agriculture, automotive sectors, and remote infrastructure, extending connectivity to areas where terrestrial services are lacking.

The introduction of Mlink’s chipset reinforces the momentum toward commercial availability of Iridium NTN Direct by 2026. It lowers technical and commercial barriers for chipset vendors and MNOs to integrate satellite connectivity without adding further terrestrial infrastructure. Furthermore, this innovation opens up new applications for connected devices, sensors, and assets globally.

Iridium Communications operates the world’s only truly global mobile satellite network, providing critical voice, data, and positioning services across various industries, including aviation, maritime, and emergency services. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Iridium collaborates with over 500 partner companies worldwide.

Founded in 2013, Mlink is a semiconductor innovator in satellite and cellular communications, with a portfolio that includes IoT-NTN and 5G RedCap chipsets. Their MS150 and MS340 series chipsets have undergone extensive testing and are recognized among the most widely adopted NTN solutions in the industry.

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