Sequans claims LTE Cat-1 products are first to be certified for VoLTE support, look to bolster Verizon IoT strategy
Verizon Wireless continues to find value in its chipset partnership with Sequans Communications, with the carrier recently certifying the chipmaker’s Calliope LTE Cat-1 product to support Voice-over-LTE applications and a related module to support its broader “Internet of Things” focus.
Sequans said the chipset is the first Cat-1 product to come to market, the first certified by Verizon Wireless and the first to support VoLTE. The chips VoLTE support is said to be enabled by an integrated on-chip IP multimedia subsystem stack and “media processing engine,” and also supports conference calling, call waiting and call forwarding; and “all major voice codecs including AMR-wideband” for Verizon Wireless’ HD Voice service.
Verizon Wireless touted the low-cost nature of the solution, noting its certification allows for product developers to commercialize products faster, and with lower certification time and cost.
The related VZ120Q module, which is part of Sequans IoT chip line up, includes RF support for Verizon Wireless’ LTE bands 4 (1.7/2.1 GHz) and 13 (700 MHz). Sequans said the device can serve in various IoT roles, including security systems; connected wearables and health care; in-car applications; tracking monitors; emergency call boxes; outdoor vending; and in ruggedized devices for logistics and delivery personnel.
Sequans earlier this year announced a lower cost Cat-M product for IoT applications, with the solution capping network data speeds at 300 kilobits per second in an effort to maximize battery life. The Monarch chipset is said to integrate baseband, an RF transceiver, RAM and power management in a 6.5×8 mm form factor, and is expected to sell for around $8, or half of what a Cat-1 chipset is expected to sell for.
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