Omnispace Gatehouse Satcom and Nordic Semiconductor Showcase 5G NB-IoT Connectivity Over NGSO S-band Satellite
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jun 03, 2025
Omnispace, known for its leadership in global mobile connectivity, together with Gatehouse Satcom and Nordic Semiconductor, has successfully demonstrated a 5G narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) system operating over an Omnispace S-band non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite. This accomplishment underscores the feasibility of satellite-based 5G NB-IoT connectivity using NGSO satellite architectures and transparent payloads.
During the demonstration, Omnispace transmitted a 5G NB-IoT signal via its F2 NGSO satellite, achieving both transmission and reception of data across five terminals. This effort builds on a previous feasibility study by Omnispace and Gatehouse Satcom, advancing standards-based 5G IoT services over satellite-based non-terrestrial networks (NTNs).
The demonstration incorporated Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF9151 low-power SiP module, recognized as the industry’s smallest cellular IoT solution. Designed for satellite and terrestrial networks, this module integrates an LTE-M/NB-IoT modem that supports diverse 5G NB-IoT use cases while aligning with emerging 3GPP standards for hybrid networks.
“This demonstration marks a key step in making global, seamless 5G IoT connectivity a reality,” said Ram Viswanathan, President and CEO at Omnispace. “Working with Gatehouse Satcom and Nordic Semiconductor, we are demonstrating what’s possible for the future of global communications including powerful NGSO satellite solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing 5G terrestrial cellular networks.”
“We’ve engineered our 5G NTN NB-IoT NodeB to operate across GEO, MEO and LEO – and this demo with Omnispace proves its adaptability under real NGSO conditions,” said Jesper Noer, VP Commercial at Gatehouse Satcom. “It’s especially exciting to see the software perform in S-band, where transparent payload architectures introduce new technical dynamics. Omnispace brings a strong vision for interoperable, global coverage, and we’re proud to help turn that vision into practical, standards-based progress.”
“Nordic is pleased to collaborate with Omnispace on integrating our nRF9151 module into a pioneering achievement for NB-IoT connectivity over MEO and S-band,” said Kristian Saether, Product Director, Long-Range at Nordic Semiconductor. “This breakthrough enables low-power IoT devices to connect via satellite in remote or infrastructure-limited areas, supporting use cases such as asset tracking, remote monitoring, and industrial IoT. We are excited about the potential of this solution to accelerate global IoT adoption across industries that rely on resilient and true global coverage.”
Satellite-enabled NB-IoT solutions promise cost-effective connectivity for smart agriculture, utility metering, environmental monitoring, asset tracking, and remote infrastructure and logistics.
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