Telefónica has launched LTE connectivity for its global M2M platform, addressing demand for high data usage and low energy deployments.
LTE SIMs have been deployed in the Spanish operator’s Smart m2m solution, a web-based platform for connecting and managing IoT networks that has more than 1,000 customers across the world.
Telefónica said its customers are demanding LTE-based IoT solutions for either high bandwidth services like infotainment in cars, or low power, low data usage communications in M2M networks.
For the latter, the operator said it will offer LTE-M connectivity, which offers reduced bandwidth, lower power usage and reduced support for downlink transmission. Telefónica said this solution helps to reduce the cost of running an IoT network.
Vicente Muñoz, Telefonica’s IoT business unit CEO, said: “Telefónica is at the forefront of the digital revolution ensuring their customers have cutting-edge solutions and management and control of world-leading, reliable and secure IoT communications between machines. 4G-LTE connections will combine perfectly with our leading Smart m2m Solution already commercially available for Telefónica globally.”
Standards body 3GPP is currently developing a standard for narrowband-based IoT networks, which will use LTE to power the likes of smart cities.
Last month, Vodafone and Huawei became the first companies to hold a commercial trial of the technology.