Ubiik has joined forces with Realtek Semiconductor Corporation, to deliver Nimbus 220, an NB-IoT module based on Realtek RTL9518 chipset, and optimized for operation in Upper 700 MHz A Block band. This is an important development for the utility and IoT markets in the US, as the joint development will allow license holders of Band 103 to fully utilize this prime 1 MHz paired spectrum by leveraging advanced features such as non-anchor carriers and Non-IP Data Delivery (NIDD). After Select Spectrum and Access Spectrum have announced that the Upper 700 MHz A Block is officially designated in 3GPP Release 16 as "NB-IoT Band 103" for 4G and 5G services, Ubiik and Realtek are now partnering on the development of this NB-IoT module allowing Ubiik's cellular base station goRAN™ to address current gaps in the North American market for band 103 (787-788 MHz uplink and 757-758 MHz downlink).

With NB-IoT using as little as 180 kHz of spectrum, and being able to scale up by utilizing multiple carriers simultaneously, companies who are currently utilizing this band now have the possibility to add standard-compliant NB-IoT to deliver affordable, long-range connectivity to low-power or low-throughput devices. With this partnership, Ubiik aims to expand its reach in the North American market and provide customers with reliable private LTE connectivity. The module, whose embedded processing unit can support ANSI meters and other applications/protocols, will be launched together with goRAN™ base stations and showcased at Distributech 2023 booth #1637 in San Diego from February 7th to 9th, 2023.