Astute Group has signed a global franchise agreement with UTA Wireless, expanding access to cellular IoT modules as ongoing memory shortages continue to impact the electronics industry.
The agreement, covering all markets except China, Italy, and Spain, provides OEMs with access to UTA Wireless LTE, 5G, and GNSS modules, supported by secured supplies of LPDDR and flash memory. This comes at a time when constrained memory availability is affecting production timelines and increasing costs across the sector.
Industry reports have highlighted tightening supply conditions, with shortages of LPDDR4 and rising memory prices impacting high-end cellular IoT modules. Since memory is integrated within many cellular modules alongside modems and processors, any disruption in supply can delay shipments and affect production schedules.
UTA Wireless has mitigated this challenge by securing access to critical memory components through its investors’ shareholdings in Dosilicon and Fidelix. This enables the company to supply both modules and the required memory, ensuring continuity for customers facing supply chain disruptions.
Headquartered in Milan, UTA Wireless offers a portfolio of cellular, GNSS, and short-range modules for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications. Its cellular lineup includes LTE Cat 1 bis, LTE Cat 4, 5G RedCap, and 5G NR solutions.
Memory Integration Strengthens Supply Reliability
UTA Wireless provides a range of memory options, including NAND and NOR flash, multi-chip packages, DDR3L, and low-power LPDDR. By integrating memory supply with module offerings, the company simplifies procurement and reduces the risk of component shortages disrupting production.
This combined approach allows engineers to select both the module and its memory requirements within a single program, improving planning efficiency and reducing qualification risks.
The company’s engineering capabilities are supported by its technical center, Tashang, which has experience in developing automotive-grade cellular platforms. Its legacy includes the TOBY-L3 platform, with over one million units shipped to automotive manufacturers and suppliers.
Expanded Product Portfolio and Migration Support
UTA Wireless offers a broad product range, including LTE Cat 1 bis modules such as KING-R2, EIRA-R2, and ROSE-R2 for applications like metering and tracking, as well as LTE Cat 4 and 5G modules for gateways, telematics, and industrial systems. The portfolio also includes GNSS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth solutions.
Several modules are designed with pin compatibility aligned to established platforms, enabling easier migration for OEMs using existing solutions. Astute Group will support customers in evaluating compatibility, including firmware, frequency bands, interfaces, and certification requirements.
Commenting on the development, Erik Gräfenschnell, Technical BDM at Astute Group, said, “The memory shortage is now affecting complete cellular modules, not just individual components. UTA Wireless has secured the memory needed to support production and can help customers looking for supply now. It also gives us strong migration options across Cat 1 bis, 4G, 5G and GNSS.”
The partnership provides OEMs with an additional sourcing option, helping mitigate risks associated with ongoing memory supply constraints while ensuring continuity in cellular IoT deployments.
