Iridium open to spectrum alliances for D2D

Satellite operator Iridium is signaling it may team up with mobile players as interest grows in direct-to-device (D2D) mobile broadband. The company is emphasizing the value of its global L-band spectrum and says it is open to “future business alliances” that tap that asset for emerging D2D services.

The D2D push aims to let standard phones connect directly to satellites, filling coverage gaps without special hardware. Iridium’s stance suggests it wants a role in that market, likely through spectrum and technology partnerships rather than going it alone.