Vodafone will deploy Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) in early 2018 to prepare for an expected surge in Internet of Things (IoT) applications over the coming years.
NB-IoT is a low power, wide area network (LPWAN) that uses dedicated bandwidth and licenced spectrum to deliver secure coverage across vast geographical areas. It is designed to support a new wave of IoT devices – such as field and waterway sensors – that transmit small amounts of data but have a long, flexible life cycle, up to 15 years in some cases.
“There are many IoT networks available now but we think NB-IoT is a premium technology choice that is worth waiting for,” said Vodafone Technology Director, Tony Baird, said in a press statement, announcing the development. “It is supported by over 40 of the world’s largest mobile operators plus many more suppliers and innovators that serve the majority of the global IoT market.”
Vodafone has a strong IoT heritage with more than 1.4million connected devices operating across its 2G network in New Zealand. NB-IoT deployment is an evolution of this network, so it can support tens of millions more devices in future.
Vodafone’s NB-IoT announcement comes hot on the heels of an IoT Alliance report that estimates a US $2.2 billion dollar IoT market opportunity for New Zealand industries over the next 10 years.
Vodafone successfully tested NB-IoT on its network with its technology partner Nokia in September 2016. The next step is to pilot the technology with a select group of business customers in late 2017, before a network roll out in early 2018.