Telia has trialled the use of IoT connectivity on its LTE network as it looks ahead to a commercial launch of the technology.
Working with Nokia, the operator has tested NB-IoT and LTE-M both in labs and on the operator’s live 4G network in unspecified locations.
Telia used the Nemo Outdoor and Nemo Analyze solutions from network analysis firm Keysight to measure the interworking of the RAN and core network as well as test its coverage compared to existing LTE.
Test applications included transferring temperature values over the network from a smart meter.
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The operator plans to build solutions for customers in “coming months”, according to Telia Business Manager Mikael Sundholm.
He said: “With these tests, we can truly say that the future of connected devices begins now…[The tests] will lead to a significant increase in the information and knowledge available for making a variety of business decisions.”.
Kai Ojala, Head of Nemo Measurement Solutions at Keysight Technologies, said: “These test phases are crucial to operators for verifying network performance as well as for understanding how operators can offer LTE-IoT services commercially to new applications and service businesses.”
The operator has launched pilots of NB-IoT technology this year, including in streetlights and in a pumping system at sea.
In June, its Norwegian business equipped 1,000 sheep with NB-IoT technology to track their location and well-being during summer pasture.