Ericsson, Sony Mobile and SK Telecom have joined forces to trial new low power Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices over the LTE network. IoT is expected to drive new use cases for wearables which require more diverse device support on mobile networks. IoT wearables testing and trials are part of SK Telecom's partnership with Ericsson on the development of technologies for the Internet-of-Small-Things or small IoT.
As part of the joint initiative, Ericsson, Sony Mobile and SK Telecom have conducted lab testing of the key functionalities of LTE device Category 0 and Category M (Machine Type Communication) in Ericsson radio labs in Kista, Sweden in early September. Field trials are planned in SK Telecom's network in Korea later this year.
LTE Cat-0 has been standardized in the 3GPP LTE Release 12 and is the first device category specifically targeting reduced complexity and thus reduced cost for IoT. LTE Category M is a key theme in LTE Release 13, representing further cost savings and improved battery lifetime.
Park Jin-hyo, Senior Vice President and Head of Network R&D Center, SK Telecom
We are working with Ericsson and Sony Mobile to trial both mobile network technologies and new IoT devices that improve our customer's lives, at home and work. These latest tests and trials reflect our commitment to establish a stronger IoT ecosystem globally.
Arun Bansal, Senior Vice President and Head of Business Unit Radio, Ericsson
We are working with our leading ecosystem partners, including SK Telecom and Sony Mobile, to accelerate the adoption of new IoT applications for both consumers and industry.
