Iridium NTN Direct Begins Live Testing with Mlink

Mlink chipsets expand the ecosystem for Iridium's standards-based NB-IoT and D2D connectivity 

MCLEAN, Va., June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM), a leading provider of global voice, data, and positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) satellite services, today announced that Mlink Technology Inc. (Mlink), a leading fabless semiconductor company specializing in IoT and satellite communication chipsets, has begun live, on-air testing of its MS150-IR IoT-NTN chipset using Iridium NTN Direct℠. MS150-IR is a specialized version of the MS150 chipset family, developed specifically for Iridium NTN Direct as part of Mlink's global IoT-NTN product portfolio.

Mlink joins a growing ecosystem of chipset providers supporting Iridium NTN Direct, Iridium's 3GPP standards-based non-terrestrial network (NTN) service. By integrating Iridium NTN Direct, Mlink's chipsets will help device manufacturers, module makers and mobile network operators (MNOs) extend low-power IoT connectivity beyond the reach of terrestrial networks through a single global satellite platform. The companies anticipate certification and product availability before the end of 2026.

"We're excited by Mlink's strong progress and the successful transition from lab testing to live on-orbit validation over the Iridium network," said Tim Last, Executive Vice President, Iridium. "This achievement demonstrates the technical maturity of both teams and the readiness of Iridium NTN Direct. We look forward to certification of the MS150-IR chipset later this year, giving our partners and customers additional high-quality, standards-compliant options for global NB-IoT and D2D connectivity."

"Having the opportunity to collaborate with Iridium in the emerging NTN field is a tremendous opportunity for Mlink," said Zhiping An, Co-Founder and Vice President, Mlink. "Our MS150-IR chipset platform has successfully completed Iridium's laboratory testing and has now progressed into the over-the-air (OTA) testing phase. We also have introduced a comprehensive reference design kit, enabling our customers to accelerate product development and commercialization. We look forward to leveraging Iridium NTN Direct to provide high-quality low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication services to customers around the world, enabling reliable and efficient global connectivity."

Iridium NTN Direct leverages Iridium's unique network of 66 cross-linked LEO satellites and 3GPP standards to deliver low-latency, reliable connectivity with excellent signal penetration on a truly global basis. The service is designed for IoT applications including asset tracking, logistics, utilities, agriculture, automotive, industrial monitoring and remote infrastructure, extending connectivity where terrestrial coverage is unavailable, limited or unreliable.

For chipset vendors, module manufacturers, OEMs, and MNOs, Iridium NTN Direct reduces the technical and commercial barriers to integrating satellite connectivity into existing products and networks without requiring additional terrestrial infrastructure. The service enables partners to expand coverage, improve resilience and support new connected-device applications using globally recognized standards.

Mlink's advancement adds to Iridium's expanding roster of chipset partners and reinforces growing momentum toward commercial availability of Iridium NTN Direct in 2026. Iridium NTN Direct is designed to deliver truly global, standards-based NB-IoT and D2D connectivity, enabling devices, sensors and assets to remain connected anywhere on Earth.

For more information on Iridium NTN Direct and how to join the ecosystem, visit: www.iridium.com/ntn-direct.

For more information about Iridium, visit: www.iridium.com

About Iridium Communications Inc.
Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM) operates the world's only truly global mobile satellite network, delivering reliable voice, data, and positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) services anywhere on Earth. Iridium supports safety- and mission-critical operations for diverse markets such as aviation, maritime, government, emergency services, critical infrastructure, autonomous systems, and remote monitoring applications, where connectivity is essential.

Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, Iridium provides its products and services through an ecosystem of 500-plus partner companies around the world. For more information, visit www.iridium.com.

About Mlink Technology Inc.
Mlink Technology Inc, founded in 2013, is a leading innovator in semiconductor solutions for satellite and cellular communications. Mlink has launched SatCom chipsets covering multiple standards such as IoT-NTN, NR-NTN, and GMR, as well as cellular communication chips for 5G RedCap and NB-IoT. Mlink's MS150 series IoT-NTN chipsets and MS340 series NR-NTN chipsets have successfully completed extensive LEO and GEO satellite testing across multiple countries and regions worldwide. Today, they are recognized as among the industry's most widely adopted NTN chipset platforms.

Headquartered in Beijing, the company has established research and development centers in Shanghai, Hefei, and Xiamen. For more information about Mlink, visit: www.mlink-tech.cn.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclosure
Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company has based these statements on its current expectations and the information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding the capabilities, benefits and availability of the Iridium NTN Direct service. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "anticipates," "may," "can," "believes," "expects," "projects," "intends," "likely," "will," "to be" and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding the timing of commercial availability of the Iridium NTN Direct service, the company's ability to maintain the health, capacity and content of its satellite constellation, general industry and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 12, 2026, as well as other filings Iridium makes with the SEC from time to time. There is no assurance that Iridium's expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium's underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Press Contact:	Investor Contact:
Jordan Hassin	Kenneth Levy
Iridium Communications Inc.	Iridium Communications Inc.
Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com	Ken.Levy@Iridium.com
+1 (703) 287-7421	+1 (703) 287-7570
X: @Iridiumcomm

Press Contact:     

Investor Contact:

Jordan Hassin     

Kenneth Levy

Iridium Communications Inc.                

Iridium Communications Inc.

Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com                                

Ken.Levy@Iridium.com

+1 (703) 287-7421     

+1 (703) 287-7570

X: @Iridiumcomm

 

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Iridium NTN Direct Begins Live Testing with Mlink

National competition returns for its eighth year, encouraging students to tackle real-world challenges through innovation and technology

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Samsung Malaysia Electronics announced the launch of the eighth edition of its flagship programme, Solve for Tomorrow 2026, continuing its mission to empower young Malaysians to become changemakers through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Centred on this year's theme, "Start with Can: Plant the Seeds of Change", the nationwide contest invites students aged 13 to 15 (Form 1 to Form 3) to apply STEM knowledge as well as harness creativity, critical thinking and technology learned in school to develop innovative solutions that address real-world challenges within their communities.

In Malaysia's journey towards becoming a high-income, innovation-led economy, STEM talent plays an increasingly critical role. Globally, the workforce is being reshaped by major economic, technological and demographic shifts, with an estimated 170 million new jobs expected to be created by the end of the decade, alongside the displacement of 92 million existing roles.^[1] This shift is accelerating demand for STEM-related skills, particularly in areas, such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital technologies, underscoring the importance of building a future-ready talent pipeline.

For Malaysia to remain competitive and future-ready, it is essential to cultivate these skills from an early age, while nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities among young people. Initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow play an important role in equipping youth with the skills, mindset, and practical experience needed to transform ideas into meaningful, real-world solutions.

Applying Knowledge Beyond the Classroom

Open for registration from 22 June to 27 July 2026, Solve for Tomorrow 2026 invites participants as a team of three students, guided by a teacher and a mentor. Students are challenged to identify pressing local issues and develop STEM-based solutions that can drive positive change. This year, participants will explore one of four key themes, including:

• Environmental Sustainability
• Sport and Technology
• Health
• Education

Shortlisted entries will be announced in August 2026 and featured on the programme's official website. The top 10 teams will advance to the next stage, where they will refine their ideas and develop prototypes with guidance from mentors. Selected teams will also participate in a Design Thinking Workshop, before competing in a final pitching round in October 2026.

"At Samsung, we believe innovation begins with curiosity and the confidence to take the first step," said Agnes Wong, Head of Corporate Marketing, Samsung Malaysia Electronics. "Solve for Tomorrow is designed to help young Malaysians recognise that they have the ability to create meaningful change, regardless of where they start. Through this programme, we hope to nurture a generation of problem-solvers and innovators who will contribute to Malaysia's future growth and address the challenges facing their communities."

Associate Professor Ir. Dr. Mas Sahidayana Mohktar, Director of Universiti Malaya STEM Centre, added, "STEM education is most effective when students can apply their learning to real-world challenges. Initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow help bridge this gap by guiding students to identify problems, develop solutions and build prototypes, fostering critical thinking, creativity and resilience. These experiences are key to developing future-ready skills in an innovation-driven economy."

Through initiatives like Solve for Tomorrow, the programme continues to inspire the next generation to turn ideas into real-world impact within their communities.

Students with ideas to create positive change in their communities are encouraged to register for Solve for Tomorrow 2026 via https://www.samsung.com/my/solvefortomorrow/ before the closing date on 27 July 2026.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

SAMSUNG MALAYSIA ELECTRONICS (SME) SDN BHD [Company No. 200301026766(629186-D)]

[1] https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf

^[1] https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_of_Jobs_Report_2025.pdf

 

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Samsung Malaysia Challenges Young Malaysians to 'Start with Can' Through Solve for Tomorrow 2026