O2 says 50 sites are now live on its Long Term Evolution, category M1 (LTE-M) low-power, wide-area network (LPWAN) for IoT devices.
The low-power IoT technology aims to enable business applications like asset tracking, connected traffic lights, parking sensors, soil monitoring and assisted living alerts.
It allows businesses to share small amounts of data between assets at a low power consumption, saving on battery life (with devices running for up to 10 years with no need to charge).
The operator claims this is the first LTE-M deployment of its type in the UK and that a national roll-out will be complete this year. However, Three is also piloting an LPWAN and eyeing national deployment.
Use cases
O2 is calling for businesses interested in trialling or developing LTE-M applications via the new network to get in touch.
Paul O’Sullivan, Director of Wholesale & Commercial at O2, said, “IoT technology has the potential to transform the way the UK does business, so to become the first UK network operator to roll out an LTE-M network is a major milestone for us here at O2.
“We know that businesses looking into IoT solutions want answers now, not in five to ten years. Introducing a nationwide LTE-M network in 2020 will help unlock low-power use cases we haven’t seen before: from asset tracking and public sector applications like sensors on signage and traffic lights, right through to parking sensors and soil monitoring. We’re looking forward to partnering with UK businesses to bring these use cases to life.”