The Iridium Certus 9704 offers improved file transfer capabilities and faster messaging speeds compared to its predecessors, enabling the transmission of data, images, and audio messages. Designed for industrial IoT (IIoT), machine-to-machine (M2M), and remote personnel applications, this module ensures reliable two-way IoT connectivity globally.
Optimized for tasks such as predictive maintenance, diagnostics, telemetry, and remote asset tracking, the Certus 9704's architecture simplifies data handling. Its large data message capabilities also suit remote sensing, wildlife protection, and disaster detection efforts, including wildfire and flood monitoring. The module is expected to power a new generation of satellite messengers and personal safety devices.
"We've now packed more capability and value into the smallest module ever from Iridium," said Matt Desch, CEO of Iridium. "When companies choose to develop with Iridium, they know they are partnering with the leader in satellite IoT applications, and we'll support them through the development and deployment of their solutions. We're excited to see how they implement this new technology."
With a 34% reduction in size compared to the Iridium 9603, the Certus 9704 is 79% smaller than the Iridium 9602 and consumes 83% less idle power than both models. This efficiency makes it ideal for battery-powered devices that require two-way messaging with delivery confirmation over Iridium's low-latency global network.
The module also aligns with the evolution of IoT into AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things), where IoT integrates with AI technologies. Developers using the Certus 9704 can offload more computing tasks to cloud-based AI engines, enabling devices to conserve power, reduce hardware costs, and increase longevity. The module's IMT-based topic-sorting capability ensures seamless delivery of various types of data, including real-time audio and images, for cloud-based analysis.
"The Iridium Certus 9704 module and Development Kit were designed with the developer in mind," said Omar Azad, associate director of product management at Iridium. "We want to make it as easy as possible for anyone to experience the new module's capabilities and quality of the IMT service. When they're ready to take the next step and build a product to take to market, we're there to support them with our decades of experience in the satellite IoT space."
The development kit includes a motherboard, power supply, antenna, module, and Arduino-compatible software, along with 1,000 free messages and GitLab-hosted reference materials. By partnering with Blynk, Iridium has streamlined the development process to provide a seamless transition from unboxing to live testing.
Iridium's resilient satellite constellation delivers critical data worldwide, ensuring weather-resilient communications. As a market leader in satellite IoT, the company has achieved an 11% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in IoT service revenue over the past decade. The Iridium Certus 9704 module integrates into the offerings of more than 500 companies that utilize Iridium technology for a range of IoT solutions.
The Iridium Certus 9704 has already received FCC and ISED certifications, with additional regulatory approvals underway.