Singapore's second largest operator, M1 has signed a strategic partnership with Nokia to roll out nationwide commercial NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things) network by first haft of 2017. When completed, the deployment is expected to be amongst the world’s first commercial NB-IoT deployments.
The NB-IoT standards were finalized by the GSMA Standards body 3GPP in June 2016. NB-IoT networks and devices are designed to deliver improved network performance for M2M (machine-to-machine) communications – low-bandwidth, robust indoor penetration and low power consumption, while delivering the benefits of licensed spectrum such as network reliability and security. Commercial NB-IoT devices are expected to be available by mid-2017. According to Bell Labs Consulting, there will be up to five billion IoT devices connected through mobile networks by 2020.
End of last year, M1 launched its M2M (machine-to-machine) platform - M1 M2M Connect - to enable corporate customers to access, track and manage all their connected devices conveniently, from any authorized computer or mobile phone.
Sigfox, another leading IoT standard will be deployed in Singapore by early 2017. Global energy company, Engie in partnership with startup IoT network operator, UnaBiz, will deploy the Sigfox low powered wide area IoT network in the island.
Jacqueline Poh, Chief Executive-designate, Government Technology Agency (GovTech)
NB-IoT is emerging to be a potentially promising technology for smart city’s machine-to machine type of applications and services.
Karen Kooi, Chief Executive Officer, M1
Our strategic partnership with Nokia to deploy an advanced nationwide NB-IoT network strengthens our ability to support Singapore’s IoT eco-system, to drive the innovative and effective new fleet management, smart metering, public safety and other smart solutions deployed by our growing customers in the corporate and Government segments.
