As the first operator in Europe, KPN successfully trialed the new Internet of Things (IoT) technology LTE-M (also known as LTE Cat-M1). LTE-M (Machine Type Communication) is a new technology that can be rolled out on the existing 4G network. The LTE-M technology is complementary to the recently introduced LoRa network of KPN as well as to existing Machine-to-Machine (M2M) use cases on 4G. KPN performed the trial together with network vendor Ericsson and chipset supplier Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

Where LoRa focuses on IoT use cases with a battery lifetime up to 15 years and a maximum data speed of 50 Kbps, LTE-M focuses on use cases that support data speeds up to 1 Mbps and a battery lifetime of multiple years, considering frequent communication. Based on these characteristics, LTE-M can be positioned between LoRa (mainly sensor based applications) and existing 4G M2M (such as infotainment in cars). Typical use cases for LTE-M are payment terminals, electricity meters and fleet management.

LTE-M is regarded by KPN as a future proof alternative for M2M use cases based on 2G and 3G. Up until now the module price of a 4G M2M module was significantly higher than the price of a 2G or 3G M2M module. The introduction of LTE-M will change this. The LTE-M technology was standardized earlier this year in release 13 of the cellular standard 3GPP.

KPN expects that LTE-M modules will become available on a larger scale in the course of 2017. By the end of 2017, the KPN network will also support LTE-M. In addition to the existing M2M services via 2G and 3G, KPN offers with LoRa, LTE-M and 4G M2M a complete and future proof IoT connectivity portfolio.

Koninklijke KPN NV published this content on 01 December 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 01 December 2016 09:29:16 UTC.

Original documenthttp://corporate.kpn.com/press/press-releases/kpn-trials-new-internet-of-things-technology-lte-m.htm

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