Nordic Semiconductor, a global leader in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, has demonstrated reliable, low-power IoT connectivity performance 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 demo using non-geostationary satellites (NGSO) operated by OmniSpace, opening up new global IoT connectivity possibilities.

This demo, made possible in partnership with satellite communications software specialist Gatehouse Satcom, clearly demonstrates a future 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.

Designed to meet 3GPP non-terrestrial network (NTN) specifications despite its small size, this module boasts performance optimized for satellite communications and enables stable data transmission and reception in low-power environments.

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

“This demonstration leveraging non-geostationary satellites is a turning point in realising seamless 5G IoT connectivity globally,” said Ram Viswanathan, CEO of OmniSpace. “Our innovative solution, combining Nordic’s nRF9151 SiP with Gatehouse Satcom’s software, can seamlessly merge with existing terrestrial cellular networks to provide reliable connectivity in both remote and under-connected areas.”

Jesper Noor, Vice President of Commercial at Gatehouse Satcom, said: “This demo demonstrates our 5G NTN NB-IoT NodeB technology’s applicability in a variety of orbital environments, including GEO, MEO and LEO, while highlighting its superiority in S-band communications via a ‘simple relay payload’ architecture. We expect it to play a significant role in enhancing global IoT connectivity in diverse industries, including agriculture, utilities, environmental monitoring and logistics.”

This demonstration highlights how the exceptional low power and high reliability characteristics of Nordic’s ultra-small nRF9151 SiP can be applied to a wide range of IoT devices, bringing new connectivity solutions to previously challenging remote areas and locations with poor communications infrastructure.

In addition, 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 communications networks to create broader services and new business models, and that the technological prowess of Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 SiP will be a decisive factor in securing a competitive edge in the global communications market.

In the future, these technological innovations are expected to have positive ripple effects in various fields such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, and smart cities.