AT&T announced that it will launch the NarrowBand IoT(NB-IoT) network in the U.S. and Mexico to complement its existing LTE-M network.
The Operator plans to launch NB-IoT in the U.S. early next year, followed by Mexico by the end of 2019.
NB-IoT and LTE-M offer longer battery life, coverage extension, and lower costs than traditional cellular LTE connectivity. NB-IoT is ideally suited to meet basic data requirements, while LTE-M provides more robust capabilities including bandwidth for firmware and software updates, mobility and VoLTE services. The NB-IoT and LTE-M make up the cellular technologies under the Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) segment, complementing non-cellular LPWA technologies such as LoRA and Sigfox.
The adoption of LPWA is critical in the age of the Internet-of-Things, where alternative technologies are required for connecting millions of devices and transporting massive data between them and the Internet. According to AT&T, the key to increasing the adoption of LPWA is building a broad base of ecosystem partners, devices and applications for global markets, and the introduction of NB-IoT and LTE-M dual-mode chipsets and modules for example will mean that customers can support a wide range of applications globally.
Like LTE-M, NB-IoT technology will be deployed through software upgrades at cell sites across the U.S. and Mexico. Both will operate alongside AT&T's 4G LTE network and within its mobile 5G network. The Operator's 5G network is scheduled to launch in parts of Dallas, Atlanta and Waco, Texas, by the end of this year.
Chris Penrose, President, IoT Solutions, AT&T
We’ve seen global momentum for LPWA since launching our North American LTE-M network last year. Adding NB-IoT to our portfolio will expand our LPWA capabilities, help drive investment in our evolution to 5G and support our customers as they deploy IoT solutions across the U.S. and Mexico.
