Satellite connectivity is gaining renewed focus as industries face growing demands for reliable, global device coverage. OQ Technology and Nordic Semiconductor have collaborated to make standard IoT devices interoperable with satellite networks, addressing one of the biggest hurdles in cellular IoT: extending coverage to remote and unconnected regions. Their recent breakthrough means that IoT modules already in use can reach OQ’s satellites without hardware redesigns or additional software, opening up commercial pathways for businesses operating in locations unreachable by terrestrial networks. This move could shape the satellite IoT ecosystem for years to come, impacting key industries like energy, mining, logistics, and environmental monitoring.
Earlier efforts from both companies emphasized trials and preliminary satellite demonstrations that required hardware modifications or relied on third-party protocol stacks. The newly reported achievement distinguishes itself by showing real-world compatibility of a mainstream cellular IoT chipset, the nRF9151 from Nordic Semiconductor, with OQ Technology’s fully in-house-developed 3GPP-compliant NTN infrastructure. This demonstrates progress from laboratory and trial scenarios toward practical, scalable solutions that are ready for mass-market adoption, reflecting a transition from concept stage to operational reality.
How does OQ Technology’s NTN network work with Nordic’s IoT chipset?
Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 low-power IoT chipset has been certified for seamless use on OQ Technology’s 3GPP-compliant Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN). The successful end-to-end data connection involved sending NB-IoT traffic from the Nordic module directly to an OQ Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite, with no change required to the module’s hardware or software. This development significantly expands the potential user base for satellite IoT by allowing existing NB-IoT device designs to function on LEO networks.
Why is vertical integration in NTN connectivity significant?
OQ Technology’s NTN stack is developed in-house, covering everything from the radio access network (RAN) to an integrated 5G core, rather than relying on third-party software. This integrated approach gives the company broad control over performance, optimization, and cost structure. Enterprises using the OQ platform gain predictable network performance, enhanced resilience, and faster rollout of new features as the platform doesn’t depend on outside vendors for core technology updates.
What industries and use cases benefit from this development?
Industries operating far beyond terrestrial network coverage—including energy, mining, logistics, and agriculture—stand to benefit most. OQ Technology’s NTN offers connectivity across over 75 percent of land and maritime areas that currently lack cellular coverage, enabling reliable device operation in remote and mission-critical environments. This could affect the way governments, enterprises, and private industrial clients plan IoT deployments in challenging locations. As stated by Nordic Semiconductor:
“With our nRF9151 module connecting directly to OQ’s LEO satellites, customers can extend coverage without redesigning hardware—simplifying deployment and reducing cost.”
OQ Technology’s leadership also pointed to the strategic importance of the advancement:
“Our vertical integration across the NTN software stack and our satellite operations reduces cost and complexity for customers and supports large-scale deployment of IoT devices across government, enterprise, and private industrial networks.”
As IoT networks become increasingly essential for industrial digitization, this certification shows promise for large-scale connectivity well beyond conventional boundaries. The collaboration between OQ Technology and Nordic Semiconductor signals that NB-IoT can be scaled via LEO satellites without additional integration risk or hardware changes. Enterprises and device makers considering satellite-enabled solutions should evaluate chipset interoperability and NTN stack ownership, as these factors impact service quality, security, and future scalability. Notably, as satellite IoT matures, attention will likely turn toward regulatory compatibility, the economics of satellite constellations, and ongoing industry standardization, which will continue to influence deployment models and operator partnerships.
