New IoT technology trialled first in Europe

1st December 2016

Qualcomm

Anna Flockett

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The new Internet of Things (IoT) technology LTE-M (also known as LTE Cat-M1) has successfully been trialled by KPN, the first European operator. LTE-M (Machine Type Communication) is a new technology that can be rolled out on the existing 4G network. The LTE-M technology is complementary to the recently introduced LoRa network of KPN as well as to existing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) uses cases on 4G.

KPN performed the trial together with network vendor Ericsson and chipset supplier Qualcomm Technologies.

Where LoRa focuses on IoT use cases with a battery lifetime up to 15 years and a maximum data speed of 50Kbps, LTE-M focuses on use cases that support data speeds up to 1Mbps and a battery lifetime of multiple years. Based on these characteristics, LTE-M can be positioned between LoRa (mainly sensor based applications) and existing 4G M2M (such as infotainment in cars). Typical use cases for LTE-M are payment terminals, electricity meters and fleet management.

LTE-M is regarded by KPN as a future proof alternative for M2M use cases based on 2G and 3G. Up until now the module price of a 4G M2M module was significantly higher than the price of a 2G or 3G M2M module.

KPN expects that LTE-M modules will become available on a larger scale in the course of 2017. By the end of 2017, the KPN network will also support LTE-M. In addition to the existing M2M services via 2G and 3G, KPN offers with LoRa, LTE-M and 4G M2M a complete and future proof IoT connectivity portfolio.