Nordic Semiconductor Demonstrates End-to-End NTN NB-IoT Connectivity

Nordic Semiconductor achieves a breakthrough in NB-IoT satellite connectivity, enabling global NTN IoT coverage using the low-power nRF9151 module

Nordic Semiconductor, a global contributor in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, has announced a major milestone for non-terrestrial network (NTN) IoT after successfully completing end-to-end NB-IoT connectivity and data transmission from its low-power nRF9151 cellular IoT module directly to OQ Technology’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation. The achievement marks a significant step toward seamless global IoT coverage using NB-IoT satellite connectivity.

Mass-Market IoT Modules Enable Global Satellite Coverage

The demonstration showed that the commercially available nRF9151 module can operate using Nordic’s standard cellular IoT software stack while connecting over OQ Technology’s fully integrated, 3GPP-compliant NTN NB-IoT radio access network and 5G core. This confirms that mass-market cellular IoT hardware can support NB-IoT satellite connectivity without requiring any redesign of existing device hardware.

“Customers want a single solution that just works everywhere, also beyond terrestrial coverage,” said Kristian Sæther, senior product director of the long-range business unit at Nordic Semiconductor. “By enabling our nRF9151 module to connect directly to OQ’s LEO satellites, we are helping developers extend coverage without changing hardware, which simplifies deployment and reduces cost.”

Extending Terrestrial LTE-M and NB-IoT Into Non-Terrestrial Networks

The nRF9151 is a compact, highly integrated cellular IoT module designed for low power consumption and long battery life. It supports terrestrial LTE-M and NB-IoT with global band coverage, making it suitable for applications such as asset tracking, smart metering, industrial monitoring, and critical infrastructure.

With this latest milestone, Nordic has demonstrated how the same device can be extended into non-terrestrial networks, strengthening the case for scalable NB-IoT satellite connectivity.

Collaboration Confirms 3GPP-Compliant NTN Viability at Scale

Nordic also revealed that the nRF9151 has already achieved certification with two geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite network providers and completed testing with multiple LEO satellite networks, including OQ Technology. These results highlight the module’s flexibility across different satellite architectures and further validate its readiness for large-scale NTN deployments.

“This achievement is the result of deep collaboration between Nordic and OQ Technology,” said Omar Qaise, founder and CEO of OQ Technology. “Together, we have proven that standard NB-IoT devices can connect to satellite networks at scale, accelerating mass-market adoption of NB-IoT satellite connectivity.”

Enabling New IoT Use Cases Beyond Traditional Network Coverage

Looking ahead, Nordic and OQ Technology plan to continue working with mobile network operators, OEMs, and enterprises to enable new IoT use cases beyond terrestrial coverage. By relying on standardized technology, the partners aim to make global NB-IoT satellite connectivity reliable, cost-effective, and accessible for next-generation IoT deployments.