Nordic Semiconductor has secured certification from satellite-connectivity provider Skylo for its nRF9151 cellular IoT module, paving the way for device makers to offer uninterrupted global coverage across terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
The Oslo-based chipmaker said today that the module now meets Skylo’s technical requirements for operation on its commercially available non-terrestrial network, which spans 36 countries and more than 60m sq km. The approval allows Original Equipment Manufacturers to deploy devices capable of switching automatically between cellular and satellite links, a capability increasingly sought by industries operating in remote or infrastructure-poor regions.
Oyvind Birkenes, Executive Vice President of Nordic’s Long Range Business Unit, said the certification represented “a turning point for true global IoT connectivity”, adding that developers would be able to build devices that “stay connected everywhere” using a production-ready module.
Vijay Krishnan, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Skylo Technologies, said the combination of Nordic’s ultra-low-power hardware and Skylo’s satellite network would support “a new generation of connected devices that can operate seamlessly across geographies”.
The nRF9151 module targets applications in logistics, agriculture, critical infrastructure, and utilities, where reliable connectivity is essential but terrestrial networks may be patchy or absent. The unit supports LTE-M, NB-IoT, and 3GPP Release 17 NB-NTN satellite standards, and integrates an application microcontroller, radio, and GNSS functionality in a single low-power package.
Nordic is offering an accompanying development kit via its distribution network, with pre-commercial firmware supporting satellite connectivity already available. A commercial firmware release is expected in early 2026 following further certifications.
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