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KDDI Selects Sierra Wireless' LPWA Module for LTE-M IoT Applications in Japan

KDDI Selects Sierra Wireless' LPWA Module for LTE-M IoT Applications in Japan Image Credit: Sierra Wireless

Japan's KDDI has selected Sierra Wireless AirPrime HL78 cellular modules for LTE-M IoT applications.

KDDI will be the world’s first MNO to provide its customers with HL78 modules operating on its LTE-M network, beginning in mid-2018 with one of the leading LP gas smart meter companies in Japan, said Sierra Wireless.

KDDI expects more LTE-M IoT applications in diverse markets to follow, including logistics and wearables.

LP gas service providers using the new smart meters will be able to boost their operational efficiency while offering their customers value-added services. LTE-M networks deliver a new class of wireless technology specifically designed for low-power IoT applications, combining lower cost, broader coverage and better battery life with globally available and secure cellular networks.

The HL78 modules, featuring Altair Semiconductor’s integrated ALT1250 chipset, deliver best-in-class power performance extending the life of battery operated devices by up to 10X compared to other available LTE-M/NB-IoT modules.

This new level of power saving modes, with improved wake-up and sleep mode responsiveness, as well as ultra-low-power sleep mode, make HL78 modules the ideal choice for any power-constrained IoT application.

In addition to low-power performance unique to the HL78 design, the modules integrate GNSS tracking capability, security and an embedded SIM in a new compact CF3 size (18mm x15mm) that is pin-to-pin compatible with other HL Series modules.

Customers have the flexibility to deploy the same device on global LTE-M and NB-IoT (Cat-NB1) networks, with support for more than 20 LTE frequency bands in addition to optional 2G fallback.

Built-in security, including HTTPS, secure socket, secure boot and free unlimited firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates from the AirVantage device management IoT Platform, helps customers ensure HL78 deployments are future proof and secure.

Hiroyuki Kimura, Deputy General Manager, IoT Business Development Division, KDDI
Sierra Wireless’ modules provide exceptional low-power performance, allowing smart gas meters to consume so little electricity that they will be able to perform two-way telecommunication for about 10 years on three 2,400mA industrial batteries.

Dan Schieler, SVP and GM, OEM Solutions, Sierra Wireless 
We’re excited to be working with KDDI on this large-scale LTE-M deployment in the utility market and to support them as the first MNO in the world to complete interoperability testing with HL78. We are planning to start delivering HL78 to KDDI in July 2018.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

For tips and feedback, email Ray at ray.sharma(at)thefastmode.com, or reach him on LinkedIn @raysharma10, Facebook @1RaySharma

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