Vodafone plans to introduce a novel mobile network service
In a significant stride towards the future of connectivity, Vodafone has recently launched its Long Term Evolution for Machines (LTE-M) network in Germany. This new network, initially focusing on connecting things with people, allowing machines to receive voice commands, is set to revolutionise the Internet of Things (IoT) landscape in the country.
The LTE-M network operates in the long-wavelength 800-megahertz spectrum, allowing signals to penetrate walls and reach lower floors, ensuring extensive coverage. This coverage extends over 95 percent of Germany's surface area, reaching into basements, underground garages, and factory halls.
Vodafone's move comes shortly after Deutsche Telekom activated its LTE-M network mid-year, with Telefónica expected to follow suit next year. These networks mark a significant step forward from the existing Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) networks, offering several advantages.
Compared to NB-IoT, LTE-M provides faster speeds, better mobility support, and stronger signal penetration, making it suitable for dynamic IoT applications such as asset tracking. LTE-M leverages public cellular infrastructure, making it scalable and reliable. In contrast, NB-IoT excels in low-power, low-data-rate applications with mostly static devices, like smart metering, where simplicity and long battery life are paramount.
One of the first applications of the LTE-M network is likely to be senior emergency call systems. Beyond this, the LTE-M network is being used for various IoT applications, offering a promising future for the technology.
The switch from the older 2G and 3G networks is a prerequisite for the deployment of LTE-M, with the network enabling smooth handovers from one mobile cell to the next. This feature is crucial for phasing out the older networks and ensuring seamless connectivity for IoT devices.
As the IoT ecosystem continues to evolve, the introduction of LTE-M networks in Germany represents a significant step forward. With its faster speeds, extensive coverage, and suitability for a wide range of IoT applications, LTE-M is set to transform the way we connect and interact with IoT devices.
Other technology, such as LTE-M networks, is set to transform the way we connect and interact with IoT devices, offering advantages over existing NB-IoT networks in terms of faster speeds, better mobility support, and stronger signal penetration. This technology, initially focusing on connecting things with people and allowing machines to receive voice commands, is being employed for various IoT applications in Germany, including senior emergency call systems.
