Stein André Larner, CEO of Com4, says many customers have been awaiting this launch.
"Several of Com4’s customers have already used the new NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies, but have been awaiting the opportunity to use the technologies throughout the region across national borders. LTE-M has been available in the area for a while, but it is only now that we can offer all the technologies seamlessly throughout the Nordic and Baltic countries", he says.
Tailored for battery-powered sensors
The complementary NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies, which will eventually replace 2G, are specially developed for IoT and battery-powered sensors that send and receive small amounts of data. NB-IoT is well suited for semi-stationary devices such as meters and sensors, while LTE-M is better at mobility of which the city bikes in Rogaland are a good example. LTE-M also has support for voice and slightly higher bandwidth. The costs for customers are also lower compared to 4G.
"NB-IoT and LTE-M provide better coverage. Which means that the technology is suitable for IoT devices that are, for example, in a cellar behind thick walls or down in utility holes. IoT devices that use NB-IoT and LTE-M can communicate for several years on battery power by going into sleep mode and only being active when needed," adds Larner.
NB-IoT and LTE-M in Europe
!We already have LTE-M in place in large parts of Europe and in some countries outside of Europe. We will continue to launch NB-IoT and LTE-M in new countries throughout 2020 and in 2021. Com4 currently has global 2G, 3G and 4G service in more than 450 mobile networks around the world. The long-term goal is to be able to offer a seamless service that includes NB-IoT and LTE-M globally in one and the same SIM", concludes Stein André Larner.
