GCT Semiconductor Holding Inc. (NYSE: GCTS) has entered into a strategic partnership and licensing agreement with an infrastructure provider serving utilities and IoT markets to develop next-generation control and communications technologies for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The agreement expands an existing relationship between the companies, which have previously worked together on smart metering and grid modernization projects using GCT’s IoT connectivity modules. The new initiative will apply their combined wireless expertise to UAV applications spanning logistics, security and defense-related operations.
GCT said it is developing a dedicated defense vertical as part of the initiative, reflecting the broader use of commercial wireless technologies in dual-use and mission-critical applications. The collaboration combines GCT’s expertise in cellular and non-terrestrial network (NTN) connectivity with the partner’s industrial-grade wireless capabilities.
As part of the agreement, GCT is integrating its GDM7243i connectivity solution and IoT module into the initiative. The company said the technology is intended to support reliable communications for emerging unmanned platforms and other connected applications.
“GCT is proud to deepen our long-standing collaboration as we expand together into the rapidly evolving UAV communications space,” said John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT Semiconductor. He said the companies’ combined capabilities could support connectivity requirements across commercial and defense markets.
The partnership comes as UAV systems increasingly require persistent communications, remote control capabilities and connectivity across environments where conventional terrestrial networks may be unavailable or unreliable. NTN technologies can extend connectivity beyond traditional cellular infrastructure, potentially supporting applications that require broader geographic coverage.
GCT, a fabless semiconductor company, develops 5G, 4G LTE and satellite semiconductor solutions for wireless connectivity. The company said the new agreement represents an expansion of its utility-sector collaboration into additional industrial and defense-related applications.
