Nordic Semiconductor, a global leader in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, has demonstrated reliable, low-power IoT connectivity via a non-geostationary satellite, opening up new global application possibilities, even in remote locations.

Nordic announced on the 4th that it has successfully demonstrated 5G NB-IoT satellite connectivity using non-geostationary satellites (NGSO) operated by OmniSpace, opening up new global IoT connectivity possibilities.

This demonstration, conducted in partnership with satellite communications software specialist Gatehouse Satcom, clearly demonstrated the future of communications infrastructure that integrates seamlessly with existing terrestrial cellular networks.

At the heart of this demonstration is Nordic's nRF9151 System-in-Package (SiP), the industry's most advanced, ultra-small cellular IoT module.

Despite its small size, this module is designed to comply with 3GPP non-terrestrial network (NTN) specifications and boasts performance optimized for satellite communications, enabling stable data transmission and reception in low-power environments.

5G IoT connectivity is proving its practical utility in a variety of applications, including asset tracking and remote monitoring, even in remote areas or areas with poor infrastructure, heralding a major innovation across industries. />
“Working closely with OmniSpace allowed us to successfully integrate the nRF9151 module into a solution optimized for satellite communications,” says Christian Seder, Director of Long Range Products at Nordic Semiconductor. “This demonstration demonstrates that NB-IoT technology via satellite connectivity is a significant first step towards overcoming existing limitations and enabling global coverage.”

“This demonstration using non-geostationary satellites marks a turning point in realizing seamless 5G IoT connectivity globally,” said Ram Viswanathan, CEO of OmniSpace. “The innovative solution, combining Nordic’s nRF9151 SiP with Gatehouse Satcom’s software, seamlessly integrates with existing terrestrial cellular networks to provide reliable connectivity in both remote and underserved areas.”

“This demo demonstrates our 5G NTN NB-IoT NodeB technology’s applicability across a variety of orbital environments, including GEO, MEO, and LEO, and highlights its superiority in S-band communications via a ‘simple relay payload’ architecture,” said Jesper Noor, Vice President of Commercial at Gatehouse Satcom. “We anticipate that this will significantly contribute to enhancing global IoT connectivity across diverse industries, including agriculture, utilities, environmental monitoring, and logistics.”

This demonstration highlights how the exceptional low power and high reliability of Nordic's ultra-compact nRF9151 SiP can be applied to a wide range of IoT devices, providing new connectivity solutions to previously challenging remote areas and areas with poor communication infrastructure.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that collaboration with other companies in the industry has increased the possibility of standard-based technology development and future commercialization.It stands out.

Experts believe that this achievement will be a significant turning point in the future when IoT technology is combined with global communication networks to create broader services and new business models, and that the technological prowess of Nordic Semiconductor's leading nRF9151 SiP will be a decisive factor in securing a competitive edge in the global communication market.

Going forward, these technological innovations are expected to have positive ripple effects in various fields, including agriculture, environmental monitoring, and smart cities.