Nordic Semiconductor Charts the Future of Cellular IoT with New Portfolio
Barcelona, Spain – March 2, 2026 – Nordic Semiconductor is making significant strides in the cellular IoT landscape with the unveiling of its next-generation product portfolio. The expansion focuses on delivering secure and resilient connectivity for billions of IoT devices, encompassing Cat 1 bis, satellite NTN, advanced LTE-M/NB-IoT with edge AI and a pathway to 5G eRedCap.
Expanding the Connectivity Horizon
Nordic’s strategy centers around providing developers with a scalable and power-efficient platform. According to CEO Vegard Wollan, the company aims to simplify the process of building, deploying, and scaling globally connected products, “from chip to cloud.” This is being achieved through a platform expansion built upon the existing nRF91 Series, introducing the nRF92 and nRF93 Series, alongside updates to the nRF91 Series itself.
nRF92 Series: Power and Intelligence at the Edge
The nRF92 Series is positioned as the smallest, most integrated, and power-efficient cellular solution available. It combines a high-performance application MCU with ultra-low-power edge AI capabilities, leveraging Nordic’s Axon NPUs. The series also integrates multi-constellation GNSS receivers, Wi-Fi locationing, and sensor co-processing. This combination is designed to unlock new applications in areas like smart meters, trackers, industrial sensors, and wearables, promising multi-year battery life.
nRF93 Series: High-Throughput LTE Cat 1 bis Connectivity
The nRF93M1 modules offer higher data throughput – 10 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink – alongside robust performance and global LTE support. They maintain Nordic’s focus on low-power consumption and a compact form factor. These modules are optimized for applications such as asset tracking, gateways, fleet management, security devices, and advanced metering, offering an alternative to traditional LTE Cat 1 bis designs.
nRF91 Series: Enhanced with Satellite Connectivity
The nRF9151, a leading LTE-M/NB-IoT module, now includes 3GPP-compliant GEO and LEO satellite NTN connectivity. This is particularly crucial for applications in logistics, smart agriculture, energy, and remote infrastructure. A sub-GHz fallback feature ensures connectivity even when public networks are unavailable. The nRF91M1 module provides a simplified Smart Modem solution for faster time-to-market.
Looking Ahead: 5G eRedCap and Long-Term Strategy
Nordic is actively collaborating with customers on next-generation 5G eRedCap technologies, aiming to broaden application coverage further. This work is part of a long-term strategy to deliver ultra-low-power cellular solutions across a wide range of IoT utilize cases. Oyvind Birkenes, EVP Long-Range at Nordic Semiconductor, emphasized the importance of a unified portfolio, stating it provides developers with “clarity, confidence, and a long-term roadmap.”
What is NTN?
NTN stands for non-terrestrial networks, referring to satellite-based connectivity. Integrating NTN into IoT devices allows for coverage in areas where traditional cellular networks are unavailable, such as remote locations or at sea.
What is eRedCap?
eRedCap (enhanced Reduced Capability) is a 5G specification designed for IoT devices that don’t require the full capabilities of standard 5G. It focuses on reducing complexity and power consumption, making 5G more accessible for a wider range of IoT applications.
Pro Tip:
When selecting a cellular IoT solution, consider the specific requirements of your application, including data throughput, power consumption, coverage area, and cost. The nRF92, nRF93, and nRF91 series each cater to different needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is LTE Cat 1 bis? LTE Cat 1 bis is a cellular technology offering a balance between bandwidth, power consumption, and cost, suitable for a wide range of IoT applications.
- When will the nRF92 Series be generally available? General availability for the nRF92 Series is expected in early 2027.
- When will the nRF93M1 be generally available? Lead customers are currently developing products with the nRF93M1, and general availability starts in mid-2026.
- What is the benefit of edge AI? Edge AI allows for data processing to occur directly on the device, reducing latency, conserving bandwidth, and enhancing privacy.
Explore Nordic Semiconductor’s new portfolio at Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona 2026 – Hall 7, Booth 7B51 (March 2–6) and Embedded World 2026, Nuremberg – Hall 4A, Booth 310 (March 10–12).
Want to learn more about the future of cellular IoT? Share your thoughts and questions in the comments below!
