A significant barrier to truly global IoT connectivity has just crumbled. A mainstream Nordic cellular IoT chipset has been successfully validated over a 3GPP-compliant Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN), bridging the gap between existing land-based networks and the vast expanse of satellite coverage.
This isn’t just a technical achievement; it’s a game-changer for device manufacturers. Existing designs using the popular NB-IoT standard can now extend their reach to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) networks without costly and time-consuming hardware redesigns. This accelerates deployment timelines and dramatically reduces risk for operators building hybrid terrestrial-satellite networks.
The validation involved a complete, end-to-end connection – data flowing seamlessly from a Nordic nRF9151 module directly to an OQ Technology LEO satellite. Remarkably, this was achieved without any software updates or hardware modifications to the module itself, showcasing a new level of compatibility and ease of integration.
OQ Technology’s accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because it relies on a fully in-house developed NTN technology stack. This independence from third-party satellite waveform vendors could reshape the industry, potentially shifting the balance of power and driving down costs for consumers.
This breakthrough follows OQ Technology’s recent success in delivering a direct-to-device emergency broadcast message from space to unmodified smartphones – a first for a European satellite operator. These milestones collectively signal a rapid maturation of NB-IoT over NTN, moving it from experimental demonstrations to a viable solution for mass-market connectivity.
Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 chipset is a cornerstone of the IoT industry, renowned for its low power consumption, reliability, and global compatibility. Its seamless operation over a 5G NTN satellite network confirms the readiness of this widely adopted technology for large-scale deployment across the globe.
“Reliable connectivity beyond terrestrial networks is critical for industries in remote areas,” explains Kristian Sæther, a product director at Nordic Semiconductor. “Our module connecting directly to OQ’s satellites simplifies deployment and reduces cost, allowing customers to extend coverage without redesigning hardware.”
Omar Qaise, Founder & CEO of OQ Technology, emphasizes the years of dedicated innovation behind this achievement. “From our early NB-IoT waveform tests to delivering emergency broadcasts to standard smartphones, OQ continues to push the boundaries of 3GPP-standardized satellite connectivity.”
OQ Technology’s vertically integrated platform – encompassing software, spectrum rights, satellite operations, and more – provides unparalleled control over performance, reliability, and cost. This translates to a superior user experience and supports efficient, large-scale deployments for governments, enterprises, and industrial networks.
The benefits are tangible: predictable quality of service, optimized network management, robust security, and faster innovation cycles – all without the constraints of relying on external vendors. This empowers industries like energy, mining, logistics, and agriculture to operate reliably in areas where terrestrial coverage is nonexistent.
With over 75 percent of the world’s landmass and maritime areas lacking cellular coverage, OQ Technology’s global NTN constellation offers a continuous connectivity layer, extending the reach of IoT beyond the limitations of traditional networks. This collaboration between OQ Technology and Nordic Semiconductor promises a future where seamless connectivity is available anywhere on Earth.
The two companies will continue to work together, supporting mobile network operators, developers, and governments as they adopt this technology for the next generation of NTN-enabled IoT devices.
