DECT NR+: A New Wireless Option for large-scale IoT
Roel Ottink | TTC 2026

DECT NR+ is a 5G-recognised standard for private IoT networks: no SIMs, no operator, a protected band free of interference, and self-configuring mesh for millions of devices.

Roel Ottink (DECT Forum)
Keynote · The Things Theater, The Things Conference 2026, Amsterdam, 22 September 2026

Roel Ottink of the DECT Forum introduces DECT NR+, the ETSI standard DECT-2020 New Radio that the ITU recognises as an IMT-2020 (5G) technology but that anyone can deploy as a private network, in a band dedicated to DECT since the early 1990s. It targets massive machine-type communication and ultra-reliable low latency, with star and mesh topologies, built-in IPv6 and self-healing routing; smart metering in India was the first driver, followed by smart buildings, industrial automation and professional audio. The technology is young, with about 40 Forum members and certification due next year, but chips, stacks and an open reference implementation now exist.