As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, the demand for seamless, reliable connectivity is rising rapidly. While LTE cellular networks reach roughly 90% of the global population, they cover only about 15% of the Earth’s surface. Including 2G and 3G networks raises coverage to 30–35%. As a result, many remote regions remain a challenge for networking. The discontinuation of 2G will further reduce global coverage. Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are intended to address this challenge by transmitting data directly via satellite systems, bypassing traditional radio masts.
NTN enables IoT connectivity via satellites
Non-terrestrial networks (NTN) are radio communication systems that operate far above the Earth’s surface. This includes satellites in low (Low Earth Orbit, LEO), medium (Medium Earth Orbit, MEO) and geostationary (GEO) orbits, as well as high-altitude platform stations (HAPS) and drones. Together, these components provide seamless coverage and also reach remote regions that previously lacked access to conventional cellular networks. Today, end devices can connect either to terrestrial 3GPP networks or to satellites. Users relying on satellite communication therefore require additional hardware beyond their smartphone. This is about to change with NTN: In the future, all cellular devices will be able to connect seamlessly to both terrestrial and satellite-based networks within the 3GPP ecosystem. With technological advances, satellites are increasingly taking on the role of base stations. In the future, end devices will thus no longer depend on the sometimes limited coverage of stationary 3GPP networks – without any additional hardware. If the terrestrial connection fails, the NTN ensures a seamless transition to the satellite network, which is particularly relevant for critical applications, for instance in agriculture, forestry or the oil and gas industry. Due to the stationary and larger devices, the introduction of NTN will be straightforward. NTN will be especially important for asset tracking and logistics, though roaming challenges may still arise. However, the first network operators are already developing solutions.
New satellite providers offer cellular core networks in addition to infrastructure in Earth orbit. This enables cellular services to be accessed via satellites. For end devices, this means: End devices can automatically roam into the satellite network using NTN-enabled SIM cards and existing cell phone contracts (MNO/MVNO) or dynamically switch between terrestrial and satellite-based networks when terrestrial coverage is unavailable. NTN is integrated into existing networks using the same APNs and core network structures. The main differences are higher latency and lower bandwidth.
Two satellite types for different requirements
To maximize communication efficiency, NTN employs two satellite systems. Depending on the respective application, GEO and LEO satellites have different advantages and disadvantages.
GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit):
- Altitude: approx. 36,000 kilometers
- Stationary and permanently accessible above the same region of the Earth
- High latency, elevated power consumption, low data rate (2–4 kbps)
LEO (Low Earth Orbit):
- Altitude: 600–800 kilometers
- Higher data rates (20–40 kbps), lower energy consumption
- As satellites move rapidly, a store-and-forward architecture is essential
- Perfect for routine data collection that does not have to take place in real time
The choice of orbit solution ultimately depends on the requirements of the respective application. GEO networks are ideal for emergency and alarm communications with low data rates, while LEO networks provide efficient, flexible communication for general IoT data with moderate latency requirements. Solutions based on 5G are predominantly operated with LEO systems.
Frequency utilization and antenna design for NTN
NTN has two main bands: n255 (NTN 1.6 GHz or L-band) and n256 (NTN 2 GHz or S-band). These bands partially overlap with terrestrial cellular frequency bands, making it easier to leverage existing antenna designs. L-band applications may require dedicated antenna separation from GNSS.
Initial NTN modules for global IoT connectivity
Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 module supports both terrestrial and satellite-based IoT communication (NTN). It is a compact system-in-package (SiP) solution designed for cellular IoT and DECT NR+ applications. Beyond energy-efficient LTE technology, the module includes integrated processing functions, security mechanisms and GNSS for positioning. It supports 3GPP Release 14 LTE-M/NB-IoT as well as DECT NR+. Full NTN functionality (including GEO/LEO support) has been available since the second half of 2025 (through a firmware update) and enables global connectivity irrespective of cellular network access. Nordic Semiconductor is partnering with providers such as Sateliot, Skylo, Myriota, Iridium and Telekom to deliver NTN solutions.
Summary and outlook
Due to the discontinuation of the 2G/3G networks and the growing demand for global connectivity, NTN is becoming a key technology for the IoT. The combination of modern satellite technology and energy-saving modules opens up new business opportunities and makes previously inaccessible regions accessible.
Applications for NTN
The advent of cellular IoT and the new NTN solutions have opened a world of new applications. Nordic Semiconductors nRF9151 combines everything into an incredibly compact package: LTE-M, NB-IoT, GNSS, DECT NR+ modem, NTN and power management. Firmware over‑the‑air (FOTA) updates make cellular IoT devices even more adaptable, robust, and ready for the future by enabling large‑scale updates and bug fixes without requiring manual intervention – with NTN now possible in remote areas without radio masts.
Asset Tracking to keep track and monitor valuable assets to prevent asset misplacement, damage or theft
- People/pet/vehicle/pallet tracking and health management
- Portable medical devices
Smart Metering / Energy infrastructure to remotely manage and maintain utility infrastructure to improve operation effectiveness
- Water/electrical/gas metering
- Monitoring of remote pipelines/wind turbines/solar panels
Smart Agriculture Harness data and connectivity to enable farmers make precise decisions and maximize yields with minimal resources
Irrigation/smart crop/live stock monitoring
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