Can the new nRF9151 kit from Nordic Semiconductor unlock direct-to-satellite IoT?

Nordic Semiconductor (OSE: NOD), a supplier of low-power wireless connectivity solutions, has today unveiled the nRF9151 SMA Development Kit (DK)—a platform specifically designed for RF engineers developing advanced cellular IoT, DECT NR+, and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) applications. With this launch, Nordic Semiconductor is not just delivering a hardware platform but is also rolling out new modem firmware that brings direct-to-satellite support to the nRF9151 module. This move marks a significant step in the drive to unify terrestrial and satellite IoT, pushing the boundaries for edge devices and industrial applications.

The announcement, made in Oslo on December 11, 2025, places Nordic Semiconductor in the vanguard of hybrid IoT connectivity, answering a growing demand for solutions capable of overcoming RF challenges in remote, industrial, and high-density environments. According to industry observers, the ability to bridge terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks is fast becoming a must-have in the IoT sector as enterprises chase resilient, always-on connectivity.

What new capabilities does the nRF9151 bring to IoT and RF engineers working on NTN and DECT NR+ projects in 2025?

The nRF9151 SMA DK stands out by offering maximum RF precision and flexibility. Unlike conventional development kits, it eschews built-in antennas in favor of SMA connectors, allowing engineers to hook up their own high-performance external antennas or connect lab equipment directly for granular performance characterization. Nordic Semiconductor designed this platform to be the gold standard for demanding RF evaluation, making it especially relevant for cutting-edge projects where reliable connectivity is non-negotiable—whether in rural deployments, industrial facilities subject to heavy RF interference, or the latest generation of smart buildings loaded with dense sensor nodes.

Alongside the hardware, Nordic Semiconductor has delivered new modem firmware that adds NB-IoT NTN (3GPP Release 17) support. This enables direct-to-satellite IoT communication—an industry first for the nRF9151 line. The firmware also provides full support for LTE-M and NB-IoT terrestrial networks, as well as GNSS, creating a truly hybrid platform for IoT developers.

Kristian Sæther, Senior Product Director Long-Range at Nordic Semiconductor, was quoted as saying that the nRF9151 SMA DK is designed to empower RF engineers seeking ultimate flexibility, particularly for direct-to-satellite communication. He noted that the platform gives experts the control and precision needed to validate new IoT designs against the toughest RF conditions, highlighting its importance for both current and future NTN deployments.

How does the new nRF9151 kit address key challenges in satellite and cellular IoT deployment?

The launch is a response to a set of common roadblocks encountered by developers pushing into hybrid IoT—where conventional cellular signals may fail and reliable satellite links are essential. By including SMA connectors, the nRF9151 SMA DK lets users bypass the limits of integrated antennas, giving them the ability to test performance under real-world conditions and experiment with optimal antenna configurations. This is vital for devices intended for use in remote or shielded environments, such as agricultural assets, offshore equipment, or logistics operations that may fall outside the reach of cellular towers.

The kit comes fully loaded for rapid prototyping: high-quality Taoglas antennas for LTE, NTN, and NR+ bands, Kyocera antennas for GNSS, as well as IoT SIM cards and trial data access through partners like Deutsche Telekom, Onomondo, and Monogoto. For IoT startups and enterprises alike, this out-of-the-box ecosystem shortens the path from idea to field trial, providing instant terrestrial and satellite connectivity.

Supporting this new kit is Nordic Semiconductor’s unified nRF Connect SDK, which streamlines firmware development across application types, reinforcing the company’s focus on developer experience.

Why is hybrid IoT connectivity seen as critical for industrial, smart building, and remote deployments?

Analysts tracking the IoT hardware sector believe hybrid connectivity—combining cellular and satellite networks—has become an industry imperative. The proliferation of IoT use cases in challenging or coverage-poor environments is driving demand for platforms that can automatically switch between terrestrial and non-terrestrial modes. The nRF9151’s support for DECT NR+, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and NB-IoT NTN puts it at the intersection of all current connectivity standards, future-proofing investments in IoT infrastructure.

With more industrial players requiring guaranteed uptime and network resilience, the flexibility offered by platforms like the nRF9151 SMA DK is likely to accelerate adoption. Nordic Semiconductor’s partnership approach, seen in its collaboration with antenna and IoT SIM providers, underlines an ecosystem model that is attractive to engineers and integrators looking to avoid vendor lock-in.

How is the new nRF9151 development kit expected to impact Nordic Semiconductor’s market positioning and developer engagement?

The nRF9151 launch comes at a moment when competition in the IoT chipset and module space is heating up, with direct-to-satellite solutions attracting the attention of both startups and established OEMs. Nordic Semiconductor’s strategy is to empower developers with precise, flexible, and standards-ready tools, positioning itself as an enabler of innovation rather than just a component supplier.

Experts believe that the new hardware and firmware package could boost Nordic Semiconductor’s visibility among RF and IoT specialists, potentially translating into greater ecosystem adoption and an expanded footprint in the NTN and hybrid IoT markets. With the kit already available through its distribution partners, the firm is banking on rapid prototyping cycles and developer loyalty to drive growth.

What is the outlook for satellite IoT adoption, and how is Nordic Semiconductor’s latest offering aligned with broader industry trends?

Institutional sentiment toward IoT hardware and satellite connectivity remains strongly positive, with the market for direct-to-satellite IoT modules forecast to expand as standards mature and costs fall. While Nordic Semiconductor is not currently listed in major equity markets outside Norway, analysts suggest that continued product launches in this vein could see the firm play a pivotal role as the satellite IoT segment matures.

Industry sentiment suggests a “buy and build” approach to new connectivity platforms, especially those that offer out-of-the-box integration with leading carriers and ecosystem partners. Investors and developers will watch for early adoption among industrial and smart infrastructure customers, and for new partnerships that could extend the platform’s reach into emerging NTN markets.

What are the most important facts and industry implications from Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 launch for satellite and cellular IoT in 2025?

• Nordic Semiconductor has launched the nRF9151 SMA Development Kit, optimized for hybrid satellite and cellular IoT.

• The platform supports direct-to-satellite IoT via new modem firmware, with NB-IoT NTN (3GPP Rel 17), LTE-M, NB-IoT, and GNSS compatibility.

• Designed for RF engineers, the kit provides SMA connectors for high-precision antenna and lab equipment testing.

• Full prototyping ecosystem includes high-quality antennas, IoT SIM cards, and instant access to terrestrial and satellite networks via partners.

• The nRF9151 is fully integrated with the nRF Connect SDK for streamlined development.

• The product launch reflects strong demand for hybrid connectivity in industrial, remote, and high-density IoT deployments.

• Analysts see the move as a way for Nordic Semiconductor to deepen engagement with the RF engineering community.

• Institutional sentiment remains bullish on satellite IoT adoption as direct-to-satellite solutions gain traction.

• The nRF9151 SMA DK is available now through Nordic Semiconductor’s distribution partners.

• Experts expect this kit to set a new benchmark for flexibility, RF precision, and ecosystem support in the IoT hardware market.