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Nordic Semiconductor extends NR+ non-cellular 5G mesh networking to 915 MHz for North American smart grids and metering, and other sub-GHz applications
18
Mar
2025
2025
Oslo, Norway
As showcased at Distributech International 2025, Nordic’s nRF9151 SiP module demonstrates 915 MHz band NR+ operation to complement 1.9 GHz functionality and bring developers access to new smart grid and utility metering applications
Nordic Semiconductor, a global leader in low power wireless connectivity solutions, today announces that its nRF9151 System-in-Package (SiP) module, a low-power integrated LTE-M/NB-IoT and DECT NR+ (“NR+”) modem solution with GNSS, now supports NR+ 915 MHz band operation. Support for the popular sub-GHz band complements the SiP module’s existing provision for 1.9 GHz global NR+ operation and opens up important new North American smart grid and utility metering applications, among others.
Nordic is demonstrating NR+ 915 MHz operation on the nRF9151 at Distributech International 2025. The event is being held from March 24 to 27, in Dallas, TX, U.S. The demonstration will showcase the capabilities and value of the sub-GHz network in real-world scenarios
“915 MHz support is a key enhancement for Nordic’s NR+ offering,” says Kristian Sæther, Product Director, Long Range with Nordic Semiconductor, and member of the Board of the DECT Forum. “Bringing this new capability to the nRF9151 SiP module offers developers a compelling, seamless integration of hardware and software, delivering high-performance, energy-efficient, and globally applicable sub-GHz 5G mesh networking to the smart grid and utility sector.”
Sub-GHz software specifically for smart grids and utility meters
The support for 915 MHz operation combines Nordic’s nRF9151 SiP module—the lowest power cellular IoT and NR+ solution with industry-leading battery lifetime performance—with Wirepas’ NR+ non-cellular 5G Mesh connectivity software. Wirepas is a Tampere, Finland-based global leader in IoT connectivity and its software enables the deployment of private 5G networks without subscriptions or heavy infrastructure. Its sub-GHz software, running on Nordic’s nRF9151, is specifically designed for North American smart grids and utility meters.
At Distributech International 2025 Nordic will share a booth with Wirepas, #4926.
