Satellite 5G Automotive Module Introduced
Will be Available for Vehicles in 2027
A new automotive-grade 5G module and NB-NTN Network Access Device (NAD) has been introduced by Luxembourg-based Rolling Wireless. The RN941Y module will bring connectivity to the next generation of vehicles, even in areas where terrestrial networks are unavailable.
With Release 17, the global 5G standard now includes specifications for non-terrestrial networks. The full integration of NTN in the 3GPP ecosystem enables devices—including vehicles—to connect directly to satellites, paving the way for reliable communication in areas without terrestrial coverage. The RN941Y module offers NB-NTN satellite communication as an option. It supports multiple NB-NTN bands, enabling services such as roadside or medical assistance, fleet tracking (vehicle location), and messaging in remote and underserved areas.
By incorporating support for NB-NTN into its NAD portfolio, Rolling Wireless is addressing one of the key challenges of automotive connectivity: enabling the availability of critical communication services anywhere and anytime.
The RN941Y will also integrate memory with higher density and better performance for boot and reliability, in accordance with the latest automotive requirements.
The RN941Y module is designed to offer automotive OEMs a seamless upgrade path to the latest technology. It features a compatible form factor and footprint as Rolling Wireless’ existing range of 5G NADs. The module supports 4x4 downlink MIMO and 2x2 uplink MIMO with up to 200MHz of downlink spectrum. It also provides flexibility with support for 5G sub-6 bands in both NSA and SA modes, plus seamless fallback to LTE, WCDMA, and 2G across worldwide cellular networks.
Equipped with a quad-core ARM Cortex A55 processor, the RN941Y module allows automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to develop Linux-based connectivity units for a wide range of present and future applications. Like all Rolling Wireless NADs, it is delivered with an ultra-flexible NAD Software Platform (NSP) designed to optimize and speed up the connected vehicle application development process.
The RN941Y 5G Release 17 and NB-NTN NAD will be available for integration in vehicle models with start of production in 2027. Engineering samples for global markets will be available in the first half of this year.