Nordic Semiconductor targets NTN IoT

Nordic Semiconductor has moved into direct-to-device satellite IoT with a new development kit and modem firmware for non-terrestrial networks. The nRF9151 SMA kit swaps internal antennas for semi-precision coaxial RF connectors, letting engineers hook up high-performance external antennas or lab gear for more controlled testing. The hardware can support cellular IoT, DECT NR+ and NTN, aimed at deployments in remote locations with poor mobile coverage, dense smart buildings and industrial sites.

The new modem firmware adds NB-IoT NTN support aligned with 3GPP Release 17, and also works with LTE-M and GNSS for hybrid connectivity setups. The kit ships with antennas from Taoglas and Kyocera, plus IoT SIMs and trial data for both terrestrial and satellite connections from Deutsche Telekom, Onomondo and Monogoto. Nordic positions the package as a way for RF specialists to fine-tune and validate advanced wireless and satellite designs.