u-blox, a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips, announced that it is partnering with key players of the IoT ecosystem, Huawei, Vivo, CAS Tecnologia and PinMyPet running lab and field tests inside new Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT or Cat NB1) networks in Brazil.
The first tests are ongoing since Q1 2017 and initially focused on metering and tracking applications. These trials reflect u-blox's focus to meet pent-up demand for low power wide area (LPWA) connectivity, as delivered by NB1 technology, standardized by 3GPP in June 2016.
Embedded in the test device is the u-blox SARA-N2 NB-IoT module, a cellular NB-IoT module compliant to the 3GPP Release 13, Narrowband IoT (LTE Cat NB1) standard. Designed for use in applications such as smart buildings and cities, utilities metering, white goods, asset tracking, and agricultural and environmental monitoring, the module will operate for 10+years from a single-cell primary battery.
Its 16 mm x 26 mm LGA form factor, using u-blox nested architecture, facilitates simple upgrades from u-blox GSM, HSPA or CDMA modules and ensures future-proof, seamless mechanical scalability across technologies, said the company.
Eduardo Takeshi, Senior Manager for IoT, Vivo
We are excited to partner with u-blox to help our mutual customers migrate to the new, low-power and low-cost Narrowband IoT technology that also offers excellent coverage.
Ricardo Adulis, SmartCore, the representative of u-blox, Brazil
Keeping 2G network is not efficient use for the increasing number of IoT devices. NB-IoT is the natural evolutionary step for wireless operators, hardware manufacturers, and end customers.
