MONTREAL – Bell said Thursday that it will launch an LTE-M (Long Term Evolution, category M1) network to support the growing use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices on low-power, wide-area networks (LPWANs) in Canada.
LTE-M improves the operating efficiency of IoT devices by enabling very low power consumption and better coverage in underground and other hard to reach locations. Bell said that it will launch its LTE-M network in 2018 after successfully completing LTE-M trials and deployments with pilot customers earlier this year.
The company added that LTE-M will support a broad range of large-scale IoT solutions, including smart city services, smart metering, asset tracking, supply chain management, security and alarm monitoring, transportation and logistics, and personal wearables for healthcare and accessibility applications.
"Bell's leadership in LTE-M technology is another example of our commitment to continued investment and innovation in our networks and the rapidly growing IoT space," said Bell's chief technology officer Stephen Howe, in the news release. "LTE-M makes it possible to have many thousands of smart sensors collecting and sending data over a wider range and with better battery life than other connectivity options. We invite developers and partners to join us as we open the doors to new and exciting innovations in IoT."
