Encore Networks, a leading manufacturer of wireline, cellular, and satellite VPN routers, today announced that it has teamed with 4G LTE chipset developer Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS), to provide the industry’s first industrial router to leverage Category 1 LTE (CAT1), a newly deployed level of LTE service aimed at IoT and M2M applications. Encore’s newest router uses the Sequans VZ120Q module, based on Sequans’ award-winning Calliope CAT1 LTE chipset. The VZ120Q was designed and recently certified for use on the Verizon Wireless nationwide 4G LTE network, and helps Encore provide a compatible, affordable replacement for the almost 20 million devices now deployed on aging 2G networks. One tier 1 cellular carrier has already announced a phase out of 2G service by the end of 2016; other carriers are expected to follow over the coming years. Encore plans to announce and display its CAT1 solutions at CTIA Super Mobility Week, September 9-11.

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(Photo: Business Wire)

(Photo: Business Wire)

Before LTE, 2G dominated M2M and IoT applications such as kiosks, smart meters, digital signage, ATM’s, and utility sub-stations. 2G, however, requires more radio spectrum per bit transmitted than LTE. Carriers are re-farming their spectrum from 2G to 4G to help meet the soaring demand for data services. CAT1 LTE is a resource-efficient use of that spectrum for lower speed IoT and M2M devices that can seamlessly coexist with faster, higher-category LTE connections on the same cell towers.

CAT1 caps the data speeds at 10 Mbit/s downlink and 5 Mbit/s uplink, far exceeding the throughput of 2G connections and providing headroom for future growth in traffic. As a result, CAT1 meets the needs of use cases where 3G or full-speed 4G LTE proved too expensive. In addition, LTE technology provides the M2M and IoT industry with the longevity needed for long-term deployments in the field.

“It is now accepted that 4G LTE will be used for almost everything that requires a cellular wireless connection even where it was previously considered too expensive to deploy,” said Krishna Ragireddy, Vice-President of Engineering for Encore Networks. “CAT1 LTE transport is the perfect solution for M2M markets that don’t require hundreds of megabits per second throughput but benefit from 4G’s low latency, spectral efficiency, and longevity.”

Thanks to the affordable nature of the LTE CAT1 technology found in the Sequans solution, which enables module costs at or below 3G or high-rate 4G module costs, Encore will deliver solutions with immediate savings in equipment costs (CAPEX). CAT1 can also lower operating expense (OPEX) via less costly data plans.

“Encore’s new routers demonstrate the ability of CAT1 to deliver cost savings compared to 2G or 3G while delivering LTE’s lower latency and higher throughput performance,” stated Craig Miller, VP Marketing of Sequans Communications. “Thanks to the highly optimized Calliope CAT1 LTE chipset platform, these low cost solutions will accelerate adoption of single-mode LTE for numerous wireless applications and provide an immediate replacement for traditional 2G and HSPA devices.”

“The low cost of CAT1 can ease the pain of migration to LTE for a large portion of the millions of 2G connections now deployed,” said William Flanagan, President of Flanagan Consulting. “The newer equipment will also bring added advantages in monitoring and management based on cloud services.

Multiple Encore routers will offer Sequans modules. Some will be on display at CTIA Super Mobility 2015, September 9-11 in the M2M Pavilion, Booth #5738, Sands Expo Center, Las Vegas, NV.

For more information call, 703-318-4325 or email sales@encorenetworks.com.

About Encore Networks

Encore Networks (www.encorenetworks.com) is a leading designer and manufacturer of commercial enterprise and industrial hardened routers providing IP, SSL, VPN, Firewall, Ethernet Switching, Legacy Copper Line POTS replacement interface and serial data protocol to IP interworking with embedded 4G cellular modems all in a single box solution. Made in the USA, Encore’s BANDIT™ and EN™ routers are purpose built for numerous Internet of Things (IoT), M2M and Business Continuity applications including SCADA, Smart Grid, Security, Transportation, Lottery, Retail and Banking industries. Encore enables companies to reduce total cost of ownership by reducing dependence on high cost wireline connections and converting them seamlessly to next generation cellular connections while protecting their embedded equipment investment.

About Sequans Communications S.A.

Sequans Communications S.A. (NYSE: SQNS) is a 4G chipmaker and leading provider of single-mode LTE chipset solutions to wireless device manufacturers worldwide. Founded in 2003, Sequans has developed and delivered six generations of 4G technology and its chips are certified and shipping in 4G networks, both LTE and WIMAX, around the world. Today, Sequans offers two LTE product lines: StreamrichLTE™, optimized for feature-rich mobile computing and home/portable router devices, and StreamliteLTE™, optimized for M2M devices and other connected devices for the Internet of Things. Sequans is based in Paris, France with additional offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Israel, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and China. Visit Sequans online at www.sequans.com; www.facebook.com/sequans; www.twitter.com/sequans.