Podcast Summary: “Satellite IoT with Iridium”
T-Minus Space Daily by N2K Networks
Air Date: December 31, 2025
Host: Maria Varmazis
Guest: Ian Itz, Executive Director, Global IoT Line of Business at Iridium
Overview
This encore episode explores how Iridium's satellite network is powering global Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity—enabling small devices to operate in the most remote or challenging environments on Earth. Maria Varmazis interviews Ian Itz about Iridium’s unique role in the satellite IoT ecosystem, trends like AI and edge computing, and the future of non-terrestrial networks. The episode is a clear, practical explainer and inside look at the business, technology, and expanding applications of satellite IoT.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Ian Itz’s Career Path & Entry to Iridium
[02:18 – 04:20]
- Ian’s journey began in a small universal bus company working with the Navy and Air Force (e.g., sun sensors, star trackers).
- Early exposure to satellite tech led him to roles at GlobalStar before joining Iridium, which he considered "the seal of excellence" for reliability and small device focus.
Quote:
“Iridium kind of had all the pieces right. They had a great constellation. They did small devices. They're very reliable in terms of the product. And so I always aspired to be part of the Iridium team.”
— Ian Itz [03:30]
What is Satellite IoT & Iridium's Role
[04:20 – 06:52]
- IoT and satellite convergence enables small, low-power devices (sensors, trackers) to transmit small data chunks globally, regardless of terrestrial coverage.
- Use cases: environmental monitoring (soil moisture, ocean currents, tsunamis), asset tracking, remote communications.
- Satellite and cellular networks are often complementary; Iridium shines where global, primary connectivity is required.
Quote:
“Our customers look to us to provide, again, kind of rugged small devices that can be deployed anywhere on the globe. And that’s kind of our forte… we have global connectivity and we’ve been doing this for some time now.”
— Ian Itz [05:53]
Shifting Data Demands and Evolving Capabilities
[06:52 – 09:11]
- While IoT traditionally deals in small, infrequent data transmissions, needs are growing: images and voice snippets are now possible.
- Iridium releases new modules regularly to support enhanced data types, still focused on reliability for missions like safety and remote rescue.
Quote:
“We’ve got some new devices that… are now able to do more rich data sets. So they’re able to send images, for example, they’re able to send voice snippets. …A lot of the devices that work on the Iridium network are there for safety of life type applications.”
— Ian Itz [07:47]
Cloud Integration and AI at the Edge
[09:11 – 13:53]
- Iridium has worked with AWS and can integrate with any cloud provider, allowing users flexible data delivery with no extra cost.
- AI and edge analytics are critical: customers have been using these for years to optimize what gets sent via costly satellite links (only transmitting critical data).
- Edge capabilities and ML/AI reduce costs and enable smarter IoT deployments.
Quote:
"A lot of our customers… were figuring out how to optimize their data before sending it over the satellite link. … Edge computing, edge technology, and then add on top of that machine learning and AI… it gives these users kind of a lot more benefit in terms of being able to analyze their data, make decisions on the edge, and then really only pass the data that's critical.”
— Ian Itz [10:52]
The Role of Iridium’s Partners & Developer Focus
[13:53 – 15:55]; [24:15 – 25:42]
- Iridium doesn’t make all terminals—partners turn Iridium tech into innovative applications; partners’ creativity is credited as essential to company success.
- Developer kits and open resources (like code on GitHub) make experimenting with satellites accessible even for first-timers.
- Encouragement to “just get a kit and try it.”
Quote:
“We couldn’t be where we are today without the expertise that our partners bring. …We try to be very developer friendly in providing developer kits… it can seem daunting… but it’s extremely easy.”
— Ian Itz [24:18]
Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) & Network Standardization
[15:55 – 17:58]
- NTN envisions seamless transitions between terrestrial (cellular) and satellite networks for users—no manual switching or technical awareness required.
- Standardization lets chip/module manufacturers integrate Iridium easily, blending satellite into broader connectivity solutions.
Quote:
“The vision for the non-terrestrial network is to offer a service that to the consumer doesn't look any different than what they've used today. …The transition to satellite…should be pretty deprecated from view from the customer.”
— Ian Itz [15:58]
Broadband vs. Narrowband in IoT (Starlink vs Iridium)
[17:58 – 23:26]
- Starlink provides broadband (big antennas, high-data applications like video and crew entertainment on ships).
- Iridium’s niche: narrowband, L-band network for critical, low-data, high-reliability communication (e.g., SOS, telemetry).
- L-band’s resistance to weather is a key advantage; narrowband devices are less power-intensive and last longer in the field.
Quote:
“We are not providing big pipe data, we're not providing you with Internet. …We work in the most rugged environments. …You'll see us paired with Starlink: they handle crew entertainment, Iridium is the backup for critical comms.”
— Ian Itz [18:32]
Quote:
“The bigger the pipe, the bigger the antenna you’re going to need, the more energy… Whereas on the other end with us…theoretically you’ve got smaller devices, smaller antennas, smaller energy, so they can live in the field for much longer…”
— Ian Itz [21:43]
Reliability as Iridium’s Calling Card
[21:09 – 23:26]
- Reliability and global polar coverage (including poles) set Iridium apart—trusted for scientific expeditions, critical research, and emergency comms.
- Orbit, spectrum, and satellite design all play roles in distinguishing satellite IoT offerings.
Quote:
“Reliability above all for us. …If you want to send critical data… and be fully ensured that it’s going to go out, then that’s the network you want.”
— Ian Itz [21:13]
Memorable Moments
- Maria Varmazis’s remark on clarity:
“You explained it better than I think anyone has. …That was probably the best explainer I’ve heard of [narrowband vs broadband].” [23:26]
- Ian’s open invitation:
“The proof is always in the pudding. …If you’re interested in learning more about Iridium… buy one of our kits, get on air and experience it for yourself.” [25:00]
Notable Segment Timestamps
- IoT and satellite introduction: [04:20–06:52]
- Adapting to higher data demands: [07:22–09:11]
- Cloud, edge, and AI discussion: [09:37–13:53]
- Non-terrestrial network vision: [15:55–17:58]
- Broadband vs. narrowband deep-dive: [17:58–23:26]
- Developer and partner focus: [24:15–25:42]
Overall Tone & Takeaway
The discussion is educational but very practical and welcoming—demystifying satellite IoT and emphasizing Iridium’s reliability, openness to innovation, and central role in modern critical infrastructure. The tone is collaborative and optimistic, showcasing the dynamic, expanding potential of IoT in space.