US-based private NB-IoT network operator Puloli is offering IoT modules based on Qualcomm’s multi-mode 9205 LTE modem to critical industries, as part of its as-a-service industrial networking offer.
Last July, San Francisco-based startup Puloli secured a minor 1 MHz paired chunk (2 MHz in total, split between downlink and uplink channels) of upper 700 MHz A Block spectrum in Florida, suitable for NB-IoT because of its paired structure. Puloli has developed a custom channelisation and band plan for its deployment.
Where every NB-IoT network launched by the operator community so far has been deployed using the LTE guard band, designed as a buffer between strips of spectrum carrying mobile broadband services, Puloli’s deployment in the upper 700 MHz A Block is the world’s first standalone private NB-IoT network.
Puloli is targeting utilities and other critical infrastructure industries with a network-as-a-service model, which will see it manage the network on behalf of users. It claims a distance of up to 25 miles of NB-IoT coverage from tower sites. It claims “one of the most capital efficient” ways for utilities to connect industrial assets, run process analytics, and drive digital change.
The latest announcement, about availability of modules based on Qualcomm’s 9205 system-on-chip (to industrial operatives in the Florida region), introduces a range of new capabilities to its service offer: multi-mode operation, on chip security, application processor, GNSS capabilities, and an ecosystem of module partners.
The Qualcomm modem enables “numerous” IoT applications for industries running critical infrastructure, the company said.
Kethees Ketheesan, chief executive at Puloli, commented: “Puloli is excited to add endpoints and devices based on Qualcomm 9205 LTE modem to our private IoT NaaS solutions. The Qualcomm 9205 LTE modem already supports many global frequency bands. The addition of upper 700 MHz A Block frequency support for NB-IoT will enable critical infrastructure industries in the US to significantly expand their endpoints, devices, use-cases, and applications in this frequency band.”
Hari Garlapati, senior director, technology and head of smart utilities and asset management, at Qualcomm, said: “We are excited to work with Puloli to enable reliable and secure critical infrastructure applications over cellular networks.”
Robert Finch, president at Select Spectrum, a firm providing brokerage and consulting for spectrum licences in the US, added: “We have seen a great deal of demand from prospective spectrum buyers for LTE NB-IoT solutions. Utilities, transportation and critical infrastructure industry companies have asked for this long-range, low-cost technology in addition to the existing variety of specialised technical solutions for this frequency band.”
