LTE-M, the low-power, wide area (LPWA) cellular technology, is specifically designed for IoT. It prioritizes a powerful reach over long distances and scalability for large or growing deployments, allowing the connection of simple devices that transmit low volumes of data over long periods of time with low power consumption.
These features make LTE-M and other LPWA technologies ideal for any number of use cases, opening up the very real possibility of connecting all kinds of assets through a single, secure, and lasting solution. In other words, LTE-M will lead to massive IoT, empowering organizations to work with increased operational efficiency while gaining greater insights into their entire business.
Logistics
LTE-M is ideal for assets on the move because devices need to operate without a fixed power supply or regular recharging. And due to the extensive coverage it provides, LTE-M allows you to track the location and status of assets such a vehicles or containers while still maintaining an excellent battery life. Any number of things can be tracked and recorded, including fuel consumption, stops and starts, toll fees, route taken, driver behavior, etc. You can track the conditions of the goods, looking at things like humidity, temperature or other container conditions that could have an adverse impact on your assets, which allows you to react sooner, rather than when it might be too late.
Industry/Manufacturing
IoT is already being used to improve the safety and efficiency of industrial production, but monitoring things like petrochemical and waste storage or hazardous fluid tanks can be challenging, due to remoteness and dangerous conditions With LTE-M, low-power, low cost sensors enable monitoring of everything from humidity and temperature to impacts and breakages, enabling better use of manpower, keeping safety standards high, and saving money by catching problems early.
Wider coverage
LTE-M allows you to operate in extremely challenging locations, such as under manhole covers, in underground pipes or in car parks, basements or other remote areas. It is suitable for both static and mobile use cases.
Lower costs
LTE-M-enabled IoT devices are cost effective to produce, and inexpensive to buy. They also cost less to scale up. Longer battery life means no external power supply is needed, while maintenance costs are reduced due to fewer onsite visits.
Enhanced security & reliability
LTE-M networks are secure and reliable, with carrier grade security. Since LTE-M operates on the licenses spectrum, devices are not subject to radio interference or congestion, a risk that unlicensed LPWA technologies face since there is no control of the radio environment.
Future proof
LTE-M is the standard set by 3GPP (Third Generation Partner Project), and is neither vendor nor operator dependent. Instead, it is supported by multiple providers, as well as hardware manufacturers globally. LTE-M is set to become a part of the 5G standard as it evolves, ensuring it will be supported for a very long time.