Satellite connectivity using 3GPP release 17

[Louis]

Provided we have a SIM card from a satellite operator supporting 3GPP release 17, is it possible to possible to build a proof of concept leveraging satellite connectivity using the nRF9161 or even nRF9160 with the current radio firmware?
It looks like there is a software upgrade path from 3GPP release 14 or even 13 to release 17 in order to leverage satellite (Non-Terrestrial-Network, NTN) connectivity (the Altair ALT1250 would be an example of that). If not possible today, is it something that is on the road map? Thanks.

[Øyvind]

Hello, 

There is currently no support for release 17 in nRF9160 nor nRF9161. From nRF9161 product page it states:The nRF9161 surpasses its predecessor, with improved features including support for DECT NR+ and 3GPP Release 14 LTE-M/NB-IoT LTE stack.

The nRF9160 Product Specification states 

• 3GPP LTE release 13 Cat-M1 and Cat-NB1 compliant
  • 3GPP release 13 coverage enhancement
• 3GPP LTE release 14 Cat-NB2 compliant

For future feature support / roadmap questions please contact your local sales representative.

Kind regards,
Øyvind