Cat M1 will allow operators to expand cellular-based IoT capabilities
Swedish vendor Ericsson and U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm successfully executed network and device testing of data communications on Cat M1 for Australian operator Telstra.
The demo, which took place at Ericsson headquarters in Sweden, used the MDM9206 modem, designed to support LTE Cat-M1 for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and services, utilizing the 700 MHz band.
Ericsson said that Cat M1 allows LTE signals to penetrate through more walls and floors to reach devices deployed deep indoors or in remote locations.
“Cat-M1 is a significant step forward, towards delivering cellular-based IoT capabilities which extend the capabilities of Telstra’s mobile network. Cat-M1 will deliver both longer battery life and extended depth of coverage benefits that will be further complemented with the expected arrival of Narrowband IoT (Cat-NB1) devices later next year,” Telstra’s Group Managing Director Networks Mike Wright said. “Telstra expects its enterprise customers will greatly benefit from the productivity benefits Cat-M1, and later Cat-NB1, will support and looks forward to connecting a huge range of new and innovative IoT-enabled devices on the Telstra network.”
The tests required the implementation of Ericsson Networks Software 17A, which includes software features to deliver extended coverage, lower device cost relative to Mobile Broadband devices, and overall lower power consumption.
The Qualcomm Technologies MDM9206 modem is upgradeable to LTE M1+ NB-1 dual mode with an upcoming software update.
“This modem represents the company's latest innovation supporting low-data, low-cost, low-power and low-bandwidth IoT applications and services. This is an important milestone that will also support the delivery of a new range of IoT services such as smart energy, asset tracking, industrial control and automation, building security, and more,” Qualcomm Technologies’ SVP for Product Management Serge Willenegger said.
Telstra portfolio includes mobile and fixed telephony as well as broadband services. The Australian telco had initially launched LTE services in 2011. This technology is currently offered through spectrum in the 700 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2.6 GHz spectrum bands.
