As the cellular LPWA networks continues its rapid expansion and more and more LTE-M and NB-IoT devices are being deployed in the global market, it becomes crucial to uncover network’s ecosystem parameters and supported capabilities. GSMA strives to provide comprehensive visibility into LTE-M and NB-IoT networks, to empower device makers with vital insights about networks availability, coverage, supported bands and necessary parameters to ensure an efficient performance and smooth user experience.
Empowering Device Makers: Unveiling LTE-M/NB-IoT Networks Visibility
The LTE-M/NB-IoT networks continue to expand rapidly, with an increasing number of operators recognizing its integral role in the 5G ecosystem for low-power cellular IoT solution.
GSMA works to provide a better visibility about LTE-M & NB-IoT networks and share information on it’s website – https://www.gsma.com/solutions-and-impact/technologies/internet-of-things/mobile-iot-commercial-launches/
The web-page covers cellular IoT technologies (LTE-M and NB-IoT), cellular operators supporting it, as well and the coverage in each country/region. GSMA keeps working to add into the portal, additional valuable information such as supported bands in each LPWA network, supported power modes and more.
Such visibility empowers device makers with crucial information to make informed decisions during both the development and the product deployment stages.
Frequency Planning – Global HW Design considerations
When it comes to designing an IoT device, multiple factors should be considered, including target geographical region, target MNO, and the expected battery life.
One of the factors LTE-M/NB-IoT facilitates, is supporting multiple frequency bands with a single hardware design – OneSKU.
Properly designed system will ensure long battery life and global coverage by OneSKU architecture which became possible with LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies , utilized by HD-FDD (Half-Duplex Frequency Division Duplex) operation.
Unlike CAT1 and CAT1.bis which requires full duplex (FDD), with regional SKUs and hindering flexibility, driven by dedicated duplexers and filters, the LTE-M/NB-IoT simplifies hardware requirements and does not require pre-selecting specific bands,
Such OneSKU design allows smooth handover and networks roaming, with no impact on devices power efficiency , supported by 3GPP power optimization techniques and features as PSM/eDRX/RAI.
The visibility of listed networks, bands and features at GSMA web page serves device vendors in developing a global, low power, and cost-efficient cellular IoT product.
Future-Proofing
Future-proofing considerations play a pivotal role in technology selection, particularly concerning the longevity and support of IoT solutions. As cellular carriers transition towards 5G networks, LTE-M/NB-IoT serves as a critical component of the broader cellular IoT solution. Its compatibility with 5G networks ensures evolved integration and continued support for IoT deployments.
LTE-M/NB-IoT future-proofing enables businesses to stay ahead in the era of 5G innovation beyond the lifespan of 4G technologies.
This strategic foresight underscores the importance of selecting technologies that align with future network transitions and provide extended operational lifespans for IoT deployments.
In Conclusion
LTE-M/NB-IoT rapid expansion and integral role in the 5G ecosystem, offers device makers crucial visibility into network coverage and technology specifics.
GSMA’s initiatives to provide this comprehensive information, facilitate device makers with making informed decisions, maximize coverage, and save costs during device development. Additionally, LTE-M/NB-IoT support for multiple frequency bands simplifies hardware design and future-proofs IoT solutions, ensuring seamless integration with 5G networks and extended operational lifespans to beyond 2040.
View the Mobile IoT Deployment Map to see the commercial launches to date in specific countries.