Nordic Semiconductor Achieves Skylo Certification for nRF9151 Module, Unlocking Global IoT Connectivity

Key Takeaways

Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module is now certified for use on Skylo’s non-terrestrial network, enhancing global IoT connectivity.
The module facilitates seamless operation across terrestrial and satellite networks, ideal for applications in remote areas.
Developers can access a dedicated development kit, with full commercial firmware expected by early 2026.

Certification of nRF9151 Module Enhances Global IoT Connectivity

Nordic Semiconductor recently announced that its nRF9151 cellular IoT module has received certification for operation on Skylo’s non-terrestrial network (NTN). This certification validates compliance with Skylo’s extensive satellite network, which covers 36 countries and over 60 million square kilometers. As a result, developers can now create IoT devices that maintain connectivity in locations lacking terrestrial networks. This represents a significant expansion of Nordic’s cellular IoT offerings, providing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with a ready-to-use solution for global connectivity.

Industry experts emphasize the importance of this development. Oyvind Birkenes, EVP of Nordic’s Long Range Business Unit, stated that the certification marks a pivotal moment for global IoT connectivity. He noted, “From the heart of a city to the most remote corner of the planet, developers can now build IoT devices that stay connected everywhere.” This achievement reflects Nordic’s commitment to innovation and its goal of advancing the cellular IoT landscape.

Vijay Krishnan, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Skylo Technologies, commented on the significance of integrating ultra-low-power, standards-based hardware with Skylo’s NTN. He asserted that this partnership empowers developers and enterprises to create transformative solutions more rapidly. With this certification, OEMs and developers can incorporate the nRF9151 into their designs, simplifying the development process and accelerating time-to-market for IoT products across various sectors, including logistics, smart agriculture, and utilities.

The nRF9151 is an all-in-one cellular IoT module designed for ultra-low-power operation, making it suitable for long-range wireless communication in battery-powered devices. It integrates a powerful application MCU, a high-performance radio, and GNSS capabilities. The module supports various standards, including LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 3GPP Release 17-compliant NTN (NB-NTN). This flexibility allows OEMs to build devices that can switch seamlessly between terrestrial and satellite networks, ensuring continuous connectivity even in underserved regions.

To support the development and adoption of NTN applications, Nordic has made available the nRF9151 SMA DK development kit through its global distribution network. Additionally, a pre-commercial modem firmware featuring NTN support can be downloaded now, with a full commercial firmware release planned for early 2026 after further certifications. This initiative is designed to minimize barriers to entry for developers looking to leverage NTN capabilities in their IoT projects.

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