Nordic Semiconductor, a global leader in low power wireless connectivity solutions, announced 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.
“915 MHz support is a key enhancement for Nordic’s NR+ offering,” said Kristian Sæther, Product Director for Long Range at Nordic Semiconductor and a member of the DECT Forum Board. “This new capability allows the nRF9151 SiP module to offer a seamless integration of hardware and software, delivering high-performance, energy-efficient, and globally scalable sub-GHz 5G mesh networking for smart grid and utility applications.”
The addition of sub-GHz support enhances network coverage, reliability, and battery efficiency, ensuring that utility meters and industrial devices remain operational for extended lifespans without frequent maintenance.
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.
Nordic showcased the NR+ 915 MHz capabilities of the nRF9151 at Distributech International 2025, held from March 24-27 in Dallas, TX. The live demonstration highlighted the advantages of sub-GHz mesh networking in real-world smart grid environments. It also showcased how 915 MHz band NR+ operation can complement 1.9 GHz functionality and bring developers access to new smart grid and utility metering applications.