Nordic nRF93M1-LACA Adds Global-Band Cat 1 bis Connectivity

Nordic Semiconductor has expanded its nRF93M1 smart modem family with the nRF93M1-LACA, a global-band Cat 1 bis variant designed to support cellular IoT deployments across multiple regions. The new module is pin- and software-compatible with the existing multi-regional nRF93M1-LABA, allowing designs to move between the two without changes to the PCB or software.

The announcement also marks general availability of the nRF93M1-LABA, which was introduced in March 2026 and has now achieved Global Certification Forum (GCF) compliance. Volume shipments are scheduled to begin in September.

Both modules are designed to work with an external host MCU, connected over UART or USB, rather than integrating the application processor within the cellular device.

Pin-Compatible Global-Band Variant

The nRF93M1-LACA extends the smart modem platform to global-band operation while retaining pin and software compatibility with the nRF93M1-LABA. Sampling starts in September, with volume production expected by the end of 2026.

Nordic has completed GCF and CE certifications for the nRF93M1 platform. Regional and mobile operator certifications are still in progress and are expected to be completed in time for lead customer volume production. The modules are supported by the nRF Connect SDK and can connect to nRF Cloud for device management, observability and firmware-over-the-air updates.

Nordic is targeting the nRF93M1 at fleet management and telematics, asset tracking and shared transport, point-of-sale terminals, healthcare and remote patient monitoring, gateways and data concentrators, and smart energy and metering.

nRF93M1 Development Kit Available Globally

The nRF93M1 Development Kit is also now available globally through Nordic's distribution partners. It pairs the nRF93M1 smart modem with Nordic's nRF54L15 SoC as the host MCU, although the modem can work with other embedded or rich-OS hosts.

Communication with the host is supported through an AT command interface, PPP or USB. The development kit ships with application examples, a preloaded Onomondo SIM and an LTE antenna for cellular evaluation.

Nordic also offers an alternative approach through devices with an application processor integrated on-chip, including the nRF9151 module and upcoming nRF92 Series. Both approaches use the nRF Connect SDK and nRF Cloud ecosystem.

The nRF93M1-LABA can be ordered through distribution now, with volume shipments beginning in September 2026. nRF93M1-LACA samples are scheduled for September, followed by volume production by the end of the year.

Learn more and read the original announcement at nordicsemi.com.

Technology Overview

The nRF93M1 is a Cat 1 bis smart modem designed to provide cellular connectivity alongside a separate host processor. The host can communicate with the modem over UART or USB, allowing developers to select an application MCU separately from the cellular module. The nRF93M1-LACA adds global-band operation while maintaining pin and software compatibility with the multi-regional nRF93M1-LABA.

FAQ

What is the Nordic nRF93M1-LACA?

The nRF93M1-LACA is a global-band Cat 1 bis smart modem module. It is pin- and software-compatible with Nordic's existing multi-regional nRF93M1-LABA.

Is the Nordic nRF93M1 available now?

The nRF93M1-LABA can be ordered now, with volume shipments starting in September 2026. nRF93M1-LACA sampling begins in September, with volume production expected by the end of 2026.

What applications does the nRF93M1 target?

Nordic lists fleet management, telematics, asset tracking, shared transport, POS terminals, healthcare and remote patient monitoring, gateways, data concentrators, smart energy and metering.