The telco said the new offering features an integrated smart metering solution
Russian telco MTS has launched an integrated IoT platform to support enterprises’ connected device strategy and monitor equipment performance.
MTS said the IoT platform features an open application programming interface (API) and supports various data networks. The Russian operator said that its customers’ existing equipment and IT systems can be directly connected with sensors, cameras, robots and programs.
Enterprises can manage the connected devices from a centralised location and can track product failures via the terminal or through SMS or email alerts, which will reduce cost of maintenance and prevent losses related to equipment failure, the telco said.
“Developing our own IoT platform is another step in the MTS strategy to be the go-to provider in helping business customers adapt quickly and efficiently to the fast-changing requirements of the digital economy, reduce their costs and bring their operations to a new level. For government customers, our IoT platform can become a driver for development of smart cities, smart grids and intelligent transportation,” MTS said in a statement.
“In the coming years, we will strengthen our presence in the IoT segment through open source platforms, cloud applications and the introduction of the Internet of things at any scale – from small stores, to large factories, cities and federal networks.”
MTS also highlighted that its IoT architecture can support equipment across a variety of industries including manufacturing, energy and diversified service companies. The platform is also applicable for integrated IoT solutions for agriculture, logistics, commercial real estate and other businesses.
The new IoT platform also features an integrated smart metering solution, which replaces an earlier system using telematics-enabled M2M SIM cards.
In October, MTS signed an agreement with Ericsson to modernize the telco’s network infrastructure in order to pave the way for future IoT and 5G deployments. Under the terms of the agreement, which will extend until 2020, Ericsson will supply MTS with equipment and software for the core network and radio access network in a number of regions of Russia for a total amount of more than 400 million euros ($471 million).
The Russian operator said the introduction of new software and hardware ready for support of IoT and 5G will allow MTS to upgrade 2G, 3G, and LTE MTS networks in Volga, Northwestern, Siberian, Ural and Southern districts.
Ericsson will also deliver software solutions for the mass deployment of IoT, providing data transfer from counters and sensors using NB-IoT and Cat-M1 technologies.
The Russian telecoms regulator recently confirmed that it plans to approve the allocation of spectrum to mobile operator MTS in the 27.5-28.35 GHz band for the launch of fragments of 5G networks in Moscow, St Petersburg, Kazan, Rostov and Sochi. The telco is getting ready to launch 5G trials during the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
