Quectel has launched a new 3GPP non-terrestrial network (NTN) satellite communication module. The Quectel BG95-S5 supports 3GPP Release 17 IoT-NTN in the S and L band frequencies as well as LTE Cat M1, Cat NB2, eGPRS and integrated GNSS. It is designed for embedded industrial, retail, wearable, logistics and a range of other IoT use cases.

With an SMT form factor measuring 23.6 mm × 19.9 mm × 2.2 mm, the module is designed for space constrained use cases that need to be able to access multiple types of network technology.

“This versatile module enables use cases that rely on ubiquitous connectivity to utilise NTNs or LTE Cat M1, Cat NB2, eGPRS or GNSS depending on availability in the deployment location,” said Norbert Muhrer, President and CSO, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “The small size and low power consumption offer designers maximised options and we expect to see the BG95-S5 deployed in devices from wireless point of sale equipment to asset management, heavy industry, and wearable devices.”

A further benefit is the module’s low power consumption and extended temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. For developers and designers, Quectel supports accelerated time-to-market with reference designs, evaluation tools and technical support all available to assist development efforts. Certification procedures are underway for Skylo’s NTN, North American cellular carriers and regulatory certification in Europe, North America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.