Iridium Communications has just unveiled the Iridium 9604 3-in-1 IoT module with support for Iridium Short Burst Data (SBD) satellite service, LTE-M cellular connectivity, and GNSS positioning.
Solutions relying on satellite, cellular, and/or GNSS positioning are typically implemented using three different chips or modules. For example, the earlier Iridium Certus 9704 Satellite IoT Developer Kit relies on an Iridium 9704 module and a u-blox GNSS module, but the Iridium 9604 module implements everything into a single 26 x 16 mm package, saving up to 60 percent or more in board space and lowering the costs of the final product.
Iridum 9604 specifications:
- Iridium Short Burst Data
- 340 bytes mobile-originated
- 270 bytes mobile-terminated
- Global LEO coverage
- Cellular
- LTE-M (CAT-M1)
- Global band support
- Carrier certifications
- FirstNet certification in the US
- GNSS – GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou
- Antennas
- Iridium/GNSS antenna
- LTE-M antenna
- Host interface – Single interface (not specified, likely UART or SPI)
- Dimensions – 26 x 16 × 2.4 mm (u-blox SARA-R5 platform form factor)
- Temperature Range – −40°C to +85°C
The company provides a unified AT command set, an SDK, reference designs, and an Iridium 9604 Development Kit. However, I was unable to find details online at this time. The 9604 does not force automatic switching, so developers have full control and can define how and when satellite or cellular is used to optimize cost, performance, coverage, and power.
Iridium explains that they now offer three ways to implement satellite IoT:
- Iridium SBD packaged with cellular and GNSS in the Iridium 9604 or Iridium SBD/Burst dedicated modules
- Iridium NTN Direct for standards-based direct-to-device and narrowband IoT using third-party chips
- Iridium Messaging Transport (IMT) for industrial-scale, multi-file type, larger message delivery with the Iridium Certus 9704
Typical applications include vessel tracking at sea combined with cellular use in ports, global asset tracking with location-aware routing, energy management, smart agriculture (precision equipment with integrated positioning), and government & emergency response.
The Iridium 9604 beta program was launched earlier this year for a specific group of companies. Commercial availability is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with the Iridium 9604 Development Kit made available for testing. For more details, refer to the product page and the press release.
Thanks to TLS for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
Support CNX Software! Donate via cryptocurrencies, become a Patron on Patreon, or purchase goods on Amazon or Aliexpress. We also use affiliate links in articles to earn commissions if you make a purchase after clicking on those links.
