DT, Swisscom, Telia and Vodafone enable NB-IoT roaming

Deutsche Telekom, Swisscom, Telia, and Vodafone signed NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) roaming agreements.

NB-IoT roaming will shortly be available across 18 European countries. These include Deutsche Telekom’s networks in Germany, The Netherlands, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Greece, Poland and Croatia; Swisscom’s network in Switzerland and Liechtenstein; Telia Company’s networks in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden; as well as Vodafone’s networks in Spain, Italy, Germany, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

“Our customers need a sustainable roaming environment for their Mobile IoT deployments to deliver a consistent service across international borders. This allows them to benefit from economies of scale as they continue to expand their business,” says Rami Avidan, responsible for IoT at Deutsche Telekom. “We are working hard to help accelerate the adoption of NB-IoT roaming in Europe and beyond. It is great to see the interoperability of our and our first partners’ networks now in place.”

https://www.telekom.com/en/media/media-information/archive/mobile-iot-roaming-goes-live-across-europe-598700

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Sequans intros NB-IoT module

Sequans Communications introduced the first module based on its second-generation Monarch N chip that is optimized for low-cost/low-power NB-IoT operation.

The Monarch NB02S is a highly integrated, low-cost NB-IoT module that features an EAL5+ Secure Element that enables the integration of the SIM inside the module, thereby introducing Module-as-a-SIM capability.

Monarch NB02S Module Feature Highlights

• 3GPP Release 14/15 LTE Cat NB1/NB2
• Ultra-small, S-series LGA module
• Module-as-a-SIM™ capability enables security and connectivity with no SIM card or SIM chip required
• Programmable RF filtering for global band support in a Single-SKU™ (617 MHz to 2.2 GHz)
• Supports LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 12, 13,14, 17, 18, 19, 20, 28, 66, 71, 85
• Single-rail power supply: 2.2-5.5 V allows for direct connection to low-cost AA batteries
• Adaptive output power supporting +20 dBm and +14 dBm for efficient, deep indoor penetration
• Fully software compatible with first-generation Monarch NB01Q and GM01Q modules for easy migration
• Based on Sequans’ Monarch N NB-IoT chip technology

“It cannot be overstated how important the new, cost-optimized Monarch NB02S will be in accelerating mass adoption of IoT,” said Georges Karam, Sequans CEO, “In addition to its significant cost and power advantages, it is the first module of its kind in the industry with integrated SIM capability, enabling it to provide seamless and ubiquitous connectivity, while removing the complexity that comes with sourcing data plans and SIM cards. When linked with pre-paid connectivity, Monarch NB02S can be used like a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module, with the added benefit of not needing a gateway. This powerful capability, along with Monarch’s global band support, in a simplified, all-in-one, low-cost module, gives IoT device makers the ability to design once and deploy anywhere, quickly, easily, and---most important---cost-effectively.”

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Deutsche Telekom launches NB-IoT in Germany

Deutsche Telekom launched its NarrowBand IoT (NB-IoT) service in Germany. The network currently covers 90 percent of the nation's territory and 90% of its population. The rollout will be completed by the end of 2019.

"Our machine and sensor network offers an enormous range of applications," says Kai-Ulrich Deissner, Head of International Technology & Services Delivery, Deutsche Telekom. "Mobility, security or waste management are just a few areas that the new network revolutionizes. It is an important prerequisite for the development of mobile IoT in the years to come."

Deutsche Telekom is also introducing NB-IoT roaming in Europe. As a first step, the national companies in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic support roaming among each other. Other countries will follow.
Nine European subsidiaries and the USA have introduced NB-IoT so far. The Netherlands completed their nationwide rollout in mid-2017. Austria and Slovakia have been covered nationwide since 2018.

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AT&T activates NB-IoT nationwide

AT&T activated its nationwide NB-IoT network.

The launch required the upgrade of AT&T 4G LTE cell sites across the country.

A&T also operates an LTE-M network in the U.S. and Mexico. NB-IoT is optimized for stationary use cases with basic data requirements like simple sensors, on-off buttons, smart agriculture, smoke detectors, door locks and industrial monitors. LTE-M, with its greater bandwidth, can support firmware and software updates, mobility and voice-over services. LTE-M use cases include pet trackers, asset management, medical wearables, utility meters, etc.

AT&T said it is working with suppliers to certify $5 modules that connect devices to NB-IoT. Multi-mode modules are also expected. AT&T is offering pricing plans starting at $5/year/device.

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SoftBank tests Non-IP Data Delivery for NB-IoT

SoftBank is testing NIDD (Non-IP Data Delivery) for NB-IoT over its commercial network.

NIDD, which is defined by 3GPP, enables users to transmit data to IoT devices without allocating an IP address. Two benefits are cited: better security by not using IP in transmission; and better efficiency by not requiring header information.

SoftBank said it aims to leverage NIDD technology to introduce and commercialize devices tailored to various businesses and fields such as crime prevention, social infrastructure and agriculture, making full use of its distinctive features of high security, low power consumption, and high area coverage.


Akira Sakakibara, CTO at Microsoft Japan, stated “We expect that NIDD technology to reduce communication load for IoT devices and enables to accelerate utilization in IoT field especially for those who had difficulty in conventional condition. As NIDD technology corresponds to open standards, it can easily connects to Microsoft Azure IoT platform and enable to implement data management, view and AI features. SoftBank and Microsoft Japan will continuously contribute to accelerate IoT technology utilization in every industry.”

Tadashi Okazaki, Head of Solution Architect, Amazon Web Services Japan K.K., said “Along with the popularization and growth of IoT technology, absolute security for IoT devices itself is strongly in demand. With the implementation of NIDD technology which securely connect AWS IoT platform and peripheral device, we expect to accelerate the popularization of IoT technology. Low power consumption is one of the characteristic of NIDD technology. Therefore, we hope to solve long discussed controversy of IoT devices high power consumptions.”

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Ericsson and Telstra complete 100-km NB-IoT connection

Ericsson and Telstra announced a technical milestone for extending IoT over long distances.

The companies have deployed and tested Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) data connections up to 100km from a base-station in Telstra’s commercial network — the longest-range NB-IoT connection of its kind.

Telstra said this helps extend its LTE footprint in rural and regional Australia.

Ericsson notes the achievement extends the 3GPP standards-based limit from around 40km out to 100km and is activated entirely through software upgrades, with no changes required to NB-IoT devices.

Telstra launched Cat M1 coverage in 2017 over an approximate three million square kilometers before deploying NB-IoT technology in its IoT network in January 2018. With this new capability, Telstra’s NB-IoT coverage increases to more than three and a half million square kilometers and will provide enhanced accessibility and reliability.

Channa Seneviratne, Telstra’s Executive Director, Network and Infrastructure Engineering, says: “Telstra already had Australia’s largest IoT coverage with Cat M1 across our 4G metro, regional and rural coverage footprint. With this NB-IoT extended range feature, we have now extended our coverage to more than three and a half million square kilometers, delivering our customers the best IoT coverage and capability in the country. Once again Telstra, working closely in partnership with Ericsson, has delivered innovation that ensures the benefits of IoT technology can be enjoyed by the largest number of Australians, not just those in the cities and towns.”

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Samsung debuts NB-IoT processor/modem/GNSS

Samsung Electronics Co. unveiled its new narrowband (NB) Internet-of-Things (IoT) chip.  The Exynos i S111 integrates a modem, processor, memory and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) into a single chip design to enhance efficiency and flexibility for connected device manufacturers.

Samsung said its NB-IoT solution offers extremely wide coverage, low-power operation, accurate location feedback and strong security. It is optimized for real-time tracking applications such as safety wearables or smart meters.

The Exynos i S111 incorporates a modem capable of LTE Rel. 14 support that can transmit data at 127-kilobits-per-second (kbps) for downlink and 158kbps uplink, and can operate in standalone, in-band and guard-band deployments.

NB-IoT adopts a data retransmission mechanism that continuously transmits data until a successful transfer, or up to a set number of retransmits. With a high number of these retransmit sessions, the S111 is able to cover the distance of 10-kilometers (km) or more.

“IoT will be able to evolve to offer new features beyond the conventional household space with IoT-dedicated solutions that present a broad range of opportunities,” said Ben Hur, vice president of System LSI marketing at Samsung Electronics. “Exynos i S111’s highly secure and efficient communication capabilities will bring more exciting NB-IoT applications to life.”

http://www.samsung.com/exynos

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Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone test NB-IoT roaming

Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone Group completed an international roaming trial in Europe using licensed NB-IoT technology.

The trial was performed using global SIMs from Deutsche Telekom on Vodafone Spain’s network and global Vodafone SIMs on T-Mobile Austria’s network and commercial NB-IoT modules. The trials will also provide guidance to other operators in delivering a consistent level of implementation.

“The success of these trials is an important milestone in the development of a sustainable roaming environment for Mobile IoT networks, showcasing their capabilities as well as ensuring consistent service across geographical boundaries,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. “The market has matured considerably in a very short time and we anticipate that this will be the year that Mobile IoT scales. Undoubtedly this is because only licensed, managed mobile services can provide the secure low power connection that can meet future demand.”

“Deutsche Telekom has successfully introduced and developed NB-IoT networks across most of its European footprint and we are very pleased to see the ecosystem rapidly expanding,” says Ingo Hofacker, responsible for the IoT business in the Deutsche Telekom Group. “First commercial offers are available on a national basis already, but now, operators need to satisfy customer demand for international coverage and service continuity as well.”

Vodafone director of IoT Stefano Gestaut said, “This development shows the successful evolution of the technology and I am confident that it will lead to a raft of new applications for NB-IoT, such as the cold chain monitoring of goods across borders.

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GSMA: NB-IoT and LTE-M in the 5G context

According to the GSMA, 24 mobile operators to date have commercially launched 48 Mobile IoT networks worldwide across both NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies and by 2025 there will be 3.1 billion cellular IoT connections, including 1.8 billion licensed LPWA connections.

In June, 3GPP is expected to complete Release 15, which will include NB-IoT and LTE-M as 5G Mobile standards.

3GPP will also not include any additional LPWA requirements in its next release, meaning that NB-IoT and LTE-M will coexist with other 3GPP technologies and fulfill long-term 5G LPWA requirements.

“While people often associate 5G with super-fast mobile broadband speeds, it will also serve a variety of use cases often with diametrically opposed requirements such as low data rates and long battery life as with the case of Mobile IoT,” commented Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. “Licensed NB-IoT and LTE-M networks are already delivering trusted connectivity today to millions of devices around the world, and these networks will continue to be a fundamental component of our 5G future ushering in an era of massive IoT.”

These trends are discussed in a newly published report from GSAM called "NB-IoT and LTE-M in the 5G context."

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Verizon and Ericsson complete NB-IoT Guard Band test

Verizon and Ericsson completed a series of tests of Narrowband IoT Guard band data sessions. The trials uses the latest Massive Internet of Things Ericsson software on Verizon’s 4G LTE network. 

NB-IoT Guard band technology occupies a dedicated frequency of 180 kHz bandwidth designated for IoT applications which does not share spectrum resources with commercial smartphone traffic.

Verizon has already launched a commercial CAT M1 IoT service that targets applications for business customers such as wearables, fleet and asset management, NB-IoT Guard band focuses on applications needing data rates below 100 kbps.

Bill Stone, Vice President - Network Planning at Verizon said, “We are committed to providing more customer options to the IoT ecosystem by leading with new technologies and capabilities such as NB-IoT Guard band that efficiently use dedicated spectrum and target different customer requirements for throughput and battery life.”

“The IoT ecosystem has tremendous potential for further growth and development,” said Kevin Zvokel, Head of Networks for Ericsson in North America. “With our IoT commercial software in combination with Verizon’s network, we are pleased to pave the way for future growth in this important segment.”

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T-Mobile US tests NB-IoT guard band

T-Mobile U.S. successfully tested Narrowband IoT in guard bands. The carrier announced that testing has been conducted in the lab and in the field. NB-IoT is live in Las Vegas and T-Mobile aims to turn on the service nationwide by mid-year.

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Sequans teams with SoftBank on LTE-M and NB-IoT in Japan

Sequans has established a technology collaboration with SoftBank to accelerate the deployment of LTE-M and NB-IoT technologies in Japan. Specifically, SoftBank is conducting interoperability testing of Sequans’ Monarch LTE-M/NB-IoT platform with SoftBank’s network equipment.

 “SoftBank is a leader in promoting LTE for IoT in Japan and its efforts to make the technology ready for connecting objects of all kinds shows its commitment to growing the IoT and to accelerating the deployment of LTE for IoT devices on its network,” said Danny Kedar, VP, IoT Business Unit, Sequans. “We are pleased to collaborate with SoftBank and to enrich the ecosystem with LTE for IoT modules specifically designed for SoftBank’s network and customers.”

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China Mobile tests core scalability for NB-IoT using EXFO

China Mobile Communications Corporation (CMCC), working with EXFO's test solution, completed a performance verification test of core networking equipment from 4 major vendors. The tests examined whether these NFV-based networks can individually support 5 million narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) devices.

EXFO said its test solution was preferred for three main reasons:

• Performance - capacity to simulate millions of IoT devices on one single server, keeping network configuration simple
• Flexibility - ability to adapt to rapidly evolving specifications and specific requirements
• Extensive test coverage: covers the network from end to end, including focus on individual nodes

"Communication service providers have to ensure that new IoT equipment introduced into the network will be compatible with existing network nodes before they go live," Claudio Mazzuca, EXFO's Vice-President, Systems and Analytics. "Through our local presence, we were able to deliver quick turnaround times to adapt to CMCC's specific requirements. Our test solutions come with unmatched flexibility giving them an edge in today's rapidly transforming telecom landscape."

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Telstra deploys NB-IoT

Telstra announced the deployment of Narrowband technology in its IoT network in Australia.

The carrier now offers Narrowband coverage in major Australian cities and many regional towns.

Last year, Telstra activated Cat M1 IoT coverage over approximately three million square kilometres across the country.

Telstra is the only carrier in Australia and one of the first carriers in the world to offer both Narrowband and Cat M1 IoT technologies.

Telstra Chief Operations Officer, Robyn Denholm, said Cat M1 coverage is best suited for devices requiring 100s of Kbps of bandwidth usage whereas Narrowband technology is better for devices requiring even lower volumes of data.

“We already offer our customers Australia’s largest and fastest mobile network and with our IoT Network now we have added the ability to support millions of new devices like sensors, trackers and alarms operating at very low data rates that can sit inside machines and vehicles, reach deep inside buildings and have a battery life of years rather than hours and days,” said Ms Denholm.*

“This new capability has been delivered as part of our Networks for the Future program, which is a key pillar in the up to $3 billion capital investment Telstra is making over and above business as usual to transform the way we serve customers, digitise our operations, meet the growing demand for data and lay the groundwork for 5G and IoT," she added.

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Deutsche Telekom and Fraunhofer IML open NB-IoT Lab

Deutsche Telekom and the Fraunhofer-Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML have opened an IoT lab in Dortmund, Germany.

The Telekom Open IoT Lab will host up to six scientists from Fraunhofer IML and three IoT experts from Deutsche Telekom to develop and test industrial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and get them market ready. The research will concentrate on solutions based on NB-IoT technology.

Deutsche Telekom is now offering NB-IoT commercially throughout all of Germany.

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Zain Saudi Arabia tests NB-IoT

Zain Saudi Arabia is testing NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) technology at a live site in Mina area of Makkah Province. Nokia is the technology partner.

The trial focuses on smart metering. NB-IoT is used to communicate temperature, humidity and air pressure from a remote location via a Nokia Flexi Multiradio 10 LTE base station at 900 MHz.

NB-IoT is a 3GPP Release 13 radio access technology designed to enable connectivity to IoT devices.

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Ixia tester emulates Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) traffic

Ixia, which is now part of Keysight Technologies, is introducing a high-performance LTE test solution for cellular IoT enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC) and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT).

The new IxLoad-Wireless test solution generates real-world traffic enabling network equipment makers and carriers to test the performance of LTE components and networks. IxLoad-Wireless supports multiple Cellular IoT interfaces including S1-Lite, a modified version of the existing S1-MME interface used for the control plane to signal or control messages, and the user plane the data being transferred between users, plus S11u for small data transmission. This allows IxLoad to emulate both the network and IoT user equipment (UE) to test IoT network nodes in isolation or the entire IoT ecosystem.

Ixia said its IxLoad-Wireless simulates IoT network traffic details, including the signaling and messaging for Power-Save Mode and eDRX (extended Discontinuous Reception), where a UE stays inactive for set periods of time to extend battery life.

http://www.ixiacom.com
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GSMA Predicts Fast Growth for Low-Power Wide Area Networks

GSMA is predicting that by 2022 low-power WAN (LPWA) connections will exceed 2G, 3G and 4G, as a leading technology Things (IoT) connection.

The finding is based on Machina Research's latest analysis shows that the number of connections will reach 1.4 billion.

The GSMA said these figures underscore how the industry is coordinating to facilitate standardization of low-power wide area network complementary technologies such as NB-IoT and LTE-M to accelerate this market.

GSMA's Alexandra Sinclair, said: "GSMA's mobile Internet of Things program in just nine months to establish a low-power wide area network market standards, the standards will be in the technology's growth, development and popularization play a decisive Role. "At present, there are several mobile operators around the world who are piloting a mobile Internet of Things initiative, and this year we will see a number of commercial applications in a range of areas that will provide complete connectivity and services for billions of new devices . "

"Clearly, low-power WAN technology will transform the Internet of Things and provide both immediate connectivity and long battery life," said Jim Morrish, founder and principal of research at Machina Research. "These qualities enable low-power wide area networking "The extensive use of low-power WANs will spur the entire ecosystem of things to support new use cases, improve the maturity and coverage of many existing use cases, and accelerate universal adoption," he added.

http://www.gsma.com/

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Sonera Trials Nokia's NB-IoT

Nokia conducted a trial using NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things) technology on Finnish operator Sonera's  commercial 4G network. The trial used Nokia base stations operating in the 800 Mhz band to maximize coverage.

The NB-IoT technology was used to communicate information on temperature, humidity and air pressure over Sonera's 4G network in Helsinki. The companies also connected a roaming device over the commercial network using NB-IoT technology. This world's first demonstration shows how NB-IoT technology will allow companies to track their mobile assets - for example large maintenance firms such as electricians or plumbers with fleets of vehicles or healthcare providers tracking the status of patients outside of a hospital.

NB-IoT is a 3GPP Rel. 13 radio access technology designed especially for enabling cellular connectivity to Internet of Things devices. Nokia said NB-IoT will co-exist with operators' existing networks to benefit from mobile security and privacy features.

http://www.nokia.com

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Deutsche Telekom Opens Narrow-Band IoT Prototyping Hub

Deutsche Telekom has established a Narrow-Band IoT (NB-IoT) Prototyping Hub that brings existing and potential customers together with Deutsche Telekom’s pool of specialized and highly skilled IoT developers. The aim is to increase time-to-market speed to the benefit of business and consumers alike. Most importantly, Deutsche Telekom’s B2B customers will be able to gain crucial market insights which will allow for rapid market entry, as well as build flexible and highly scalable NB-IoT applications and business models that will be effective for years to come.

DT said Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology is currently one of the most widely discussed innovations in M2M communication for the Internet of Things, with analysts anticipating around three billion LPWA connections by 2023. The technology is especially optimized for applications with low bandwidth requirements (from 100bit/s to just a few Kbit/s), such as smart parking, smart metering or smart waste management, and enables a much deeper indoor penetration than currently available (+20db compared to GSM). With low power consumption and a battery life of up to 10 years, the technology is environmentally friendly and ideal for mass production and deployment.

"Our aim is to provide our customers with IoT solutions that work worldwide based on international standards," says Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, Chief Technology Officer, Deutsche Telekom. "The NB-IoT technology is a future-proof and reliable solution that supports international operations and will enable a meaningful and broad IoT ecosystem for our customers in the coming years."

https://www.telekom.com/innovation/317738

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