• LTE-M is a technology for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices to connect to a 4G device without a gateway and on batteries.
• It is a reliable, secure and cost-effective way for businesses to connect large amounts of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in both urban and rural areas.
• The increased security and reliability LTE-M provides will likely be crucial in proving the usefulness of the devices to businesses implementing an IoT solution.
The LTE-M network is out, and the timing couldn't be more perfect.
US Cellular, which operates the fifth-largest wireless telecommunications network in the United States, has announced
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The network has been launched on more than 90% of its cell site across the country, while the company plans to have them 100% covered in the second quarter of 2020.
What is LTE-M?
LTE-M or Long Term Evolution (4g), category M1 is a technology for the Internet of Things (IoT) devices to connect to a 4G device without a gateway and on batteries. The LTE-M technology has upped the IoT game by focusing on providing better battery life, lower-cost modules, and better indoor penetration.
Use Cases Best Suited for LTE-M
1.
Low-Density Sensors: Removing the headache of connecting via WiFi or a gateway is a huge deal for businesses or OEMs that use sensors as part of their business (Cold Chain Monitoring). The thought that a sensor can be fielded with a long-life battery, and that it would "just work" is a huge deal.
2.
Automated Meter Reading: Cellular based AMR has been less popular because of the cost of previous technologies. We will see more and more meters connecting via LTE-M, now that cheaper chips can connect for less.
3.
Asset Tracking with LTE-M: Hybrid asset tracking solutions that use short-range connections like Bluetooth, coupled with backhaul via LTE-M are poised to do very well. One application technology we like in the RTLS space is AirFinder.
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US Cellular's LTE-M Network
The LTE-M network to connect large amounts of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in both urban and rural areas and hard-to-reach environments.
U.S. Cellular’s LTE-M network is ideal for IoT solutions such as fleet and asset management, tank monitoring, smart meters, and other applications because of its low power wide area technology (LPWAN) that
Low power or battery-limited LTE-M devices can be less complex, lower cost and built for mass adoption of IoT applications and deployment.
Our LTE-M network brings our business and government customers capabilities and features that will enable an entirely new set of use cases to help them improve their operations and grow their business.
- Jim Anetsberger, Vice President of Business Sales, U.S. Cellular
The company said that its LTE-M network is ideal for IoT solutions like fleet and asset management, tank monitoring, and smart meters. This is due to its low power wide area technology (LPWAN) that will provide extended coverage at a lower cost as per the company.
We want to set our IoT customers up for future success with solutions that are designed to meet their specific needs. Working together with our vendors and customers, we can unleash the potential of our LTE-M network.
- Jim Anetsberger, Vice President of Business Sales, U.S. Cellular
The adoption of has increased in recent months. The decision to implement IoT as a solution relies on the reliability of devices and the ability to connect low powered devices. Several companies are starting to see the financial benefits of IoT solutions to their operations and their efficiency. This has risen curiosity from other industries and commercial companies. US Cellular’s network comes at the perfect time to support a greater focus on the IoT, and the increased security and reliability their system provides will likely be crucial in proving the usefulness of the devices to businesses implementing an IoT solution.
US Cellular’s solution is among the first networks designed to be optimized for IoT communications. The company intends to keep evolving its IoT device support, in the hopes that more businesses realize the benefit of implementing IoT solutions in their operations.
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