Iridium just killed the multi-component IoT stack with one 16mm module

Designing IoT devices that work beyond standard cellular coverage usually means stacking multiple radios and support chips, taking up board space and budget. Iridium Communications is trying to strip that down with its new 9604 satellite IoT module, which packs global satellite connectivity into a compact 16mm form factor.

The 9604 is aimed at developers who need devices to operate outside terrestrial networks, where traditional cellular and GNSS modules fall short or require complex integration. By collapsing functionality that once demanded several components into a single unit, Iridium is pitching lower hardware complexity and a simpler bill of materials for wide-area IoT deployments.