Nordic Semiconductor’s newly available modem targets global Cat 1 bis connectivity, simplifying IoT deployment with certified hardware and support for diverse connected applications more easily.
Nordic Semiconductor has announced general availability of its multi-regional nRF93M1-LABA smart modem module, following Global Certification Forum (GCF) compliance. The company says the module is designed to help developers deploy Cat 1 bis connected devices across global markets using the same hardware.
The nRF93M1-LABA is a 4G-based IoT solution intended to support applications including wearables, point-of-sale machines, smart meters, asset trackers and commercial alarm systems. Its multi-regional capability is aimed at reducing the need to develop separate hardware versions for different regions.
According to Nordic Semiconductor, the GCF certification extends the module’s suitability for global scaling. The company says host microcontrollers can connect through UART or USB and reach nRF Cloud securely without separate integration work, simplifying development and deployment.
The module was first introduced at Mobile World Congress in March 2026. Its availability now follows the certification milestone, giving developers a more established route towards deploying Cat 1 bis devices across multiple markets.
Nordic also offers the nRF93M1 development kit to support development with its nRF Connect SDK. The kit combines the modem module with an ultra-low-power nRF54L15 host MCU, although the module can also operate with embedded or real-time operating system hosts through its AT command interface, PPP or USB.
The development kit includes application examples, a preloaded Onomondo SIM and an LTE antenna, providing a starting point for evaluation and prototyping.
The wider Cat 1 bis market covers connected IoT products requiring 4G connectivity, while maintaining a focus on relatively straightforward deployment. With certification and development support now available, the platform is positioned to help manufacturers move connected products towards broader international roll-outs.
