FCC and Carrier Certification Reuse/Estimated Cost? (US)

[Aj]

Hi all,

We are looking to use the nRF9151 and we are trying to determine estimated certification costs for US deployment

So, if anyone can help or knows:

• What pre-certifications from the nRF9151 can be reused, and which require new certifications?
• Understandably, each testing house has their own cost with certifications, but if anyone with previous experience knows a 'rough' estimate cost for the pre-certified carriers?
• If we were to just use Thingy91X, would the required certifications change?

We appreciate any and all help

[JONATHAN LL]

Hi, 

What pre-certifications from the nRF9151 can be reused, and which require new certifications?

We have some info here: https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/Wireless/Low-power-cellular-IoT/nRF91-Series-certifications/nRF9151-Global-and-regulatory?lang=en#infotabs 


Here is a more general post on the process: https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected/certifying-a-cellular-iot-device 
And an out take here: 

Certification process

Even though both our kits are heavily certified, it's mainly for prototyping, and your end-product might have other elements that require further certifications. For when you are about to start certifying your product, here are some simple steps to help you get through it.

1. Geography and frequencies
   Get an overview of the regions in which you plan to sell your product. Testing and certification requirements vary greatly depending on where the product will be deployed. Then, collect a list of the relevant frequency bands.

2. Make a detailed technical description of the product
   Describing all radio interfaces, power sources, operation conditions, user guides, and more.

3. Reuse certifications
   Check which certification we have already done that you can reuse. You can, for instance, reuse our FCC certifications if you have made sure to follow the instructions in our nRF9160 Hardware Integration Guide.

4. Hire a testing facility
   Supply the information gathered in bullets 1-3to establish a helpful dialogue with the experts. They will guide you through the jungle of different requirements and set up a relevant testing regime. Keep in mind that the more you know about your product and where it will be used, the more you are in charge of the discussions and can spot tests not necessary to run.

5. Provide a set of prototypes
   Essential for the effectiveness of the process. Enables several tests to run in parallel. We usually provide 4 or 5 samples.

6. Start the dialogue with the testing facility sooner than later
   They need to get acquainted with the product and understand the technology.

Regards,
Jonathan