diff --git a/cpu/nrf5x_common/radio/nrfble/nrfble.c b/cpu/nrf5x_common/radio/nrfble/nrfble.c
index 60624eb6db..f66f52c4f6 100644
--- a/cpu/nrf5x_common/radio/nrfble/nrfble.c
+++ b/cpu/nrf5x_common/radio/nrfble/nrfble.c
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 
 #include "cpu.h"
 #include "assert.h"
+#include "nrf_clock.h"
 
 #include "nrfble.h"
 #include "net/netdev/ble.h"
@@ -238,6 +239,11 @@ static int _nrfble_init(netdev_t *dev)
     (void)dev;
     assert(_nrfble_dev.driver && _nrfble_dev.event_callback);
 
+    /* the radio need the external HF clock source to be enabled */
+    /* @todo    add proper handling to release the clock whenever the radio is
+     *          idle */
+    clock_hfxo_request();
+
     /* power on the NRFs radio */
     NRF_RADIO->POWER = 1;
     /* configure variable parameters to default values */