Ericsson and Qualcomm have successfully executed network and device testing of data communications on Cat M1 utilizing the 700 MHz band (Band 28) at Ericsson headquarters in Sweden for Telstra.
Telstra expects its enterprise customers to greatly benefit from the productivity benefits Cat-M1, and later Cat-NB1 in connecting a huge range of new and innovative IoT-enabled devices on its network.
The testing was done using Qualcomm's MDM9206 modem that is designed to support LTE Cat-M1 for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and services and Ericsson's Networks Software 17A.
According to Ericsson, Cat-M1 boasts extended coverage with better link budget (up to 15 dB, compared to Cat-1) allowing LTE signals to penetrate through more walls and floors to reach devices deployed deep indoors or in remote locations. It also enables up to 10 years of battery life for typical delay-tolerant, low-throughput applications utilizing Power Save Mode and extended DRX and lower complexity and cost due to single antenna and half duplex operation, up to 375 kbps
The Qualcomm MDM9206 modem is designed to support LTE category M1, upgradeable to LTE M1+ NB-1 dual mode with an anticipated upcoming software update. The dual-mode approach combines the best of both technologies and provides a global, scalable solution for IoT products, well suited for a diverse set of operator deployments.
The new technologies can also co-exist with today's LTE infrastructure and spectrum, which offers a superior solution to proprietary technologies for low-power wide-area networks.
Mike Wright, Group Managing Director Networks, Telstra
Cat-M1 will deliver both longer battery life and extended depth of coverage benefits that will be further complemented with the expected arrival of Narrowband IoT (Cat-NB1) devices later next year, along with a progression toward the greatly reduced module costs.
Thomas Norén, Head of Product Area Network Products, Ericsson
Cat-M1 will enable operators to drive new opportunities in the fast-emerging IoT market, which Ericsson believes is a key component of the Networked Society. Once again, we are pleased to be working with Qualcomm Technologies and Telstra to pioneer another innovation into the LTE market.
