M1 and Nokia will roll out Narrow-Band IoT network by first half of 2017

M1 and Nokia will roll out Narrow-Band IoT network by first half of 2017

M1 and Nokia entered a strategic partnership to bring a commercial NB-IoT network (NarrowBand Internet-of-Things network). The deployment of the NB-IoT network is expected to be ready by the first half of 2017. This large-scale implementation would be the among the world’s first commercial NB-IoT deployments, and it’s also Nokia’s first deployment with a network operator in Asia.

The use of NB-IoT networks and devices would bring improved network performance for machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. They are low-bandwidth in nature, with robust indoor penetration and low power consumption. By doing so in a licensed network spectrum (such as M1’s), the NB-IoT devices can also enjoy reliable network connection and security.

In layman terms, NB-IoT networks would be helpful for devices that do not have much to say across very long range. 3GPP (a GSMA standards body) managed to complete the standardization for NB-IoT networks back in June 2016. An example of NB-IoT at work can be seen in fleet management.

“The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is pleased to work with M1 to promote greater connectivity and productivity in the maritime sector, particularly with growing interest in smart ships and ports, and NB-IoT will enable MPA and its partners to explore the deployment of a network of offshore sensors to augment the situational awareness of our port waters,” said Mr. Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA.

The existence of a NB-IoT network in Singapore is seen as a step forward towards the Smart Nation end-goal, as NB-IoT devices will only enter the market in mid-2017.

“NB-IoT technology is the key to connecting the coming wave of smart devices. 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,” said Ms Karen Kooi, Chief Executive Officer, M1, at the partnership signing ceremony with Mr Rajeev Suri, Nokia Chief Executive Officer, today.

NarrowBand IoT is a relatively new radio technology that uses 3G and LTE networks, and big communications and networking companies like Nokia are keeping a finger of their buzzer for any new developments in this field.

“Nokia’s joint collaboration of NB-IoT deployment with M1 lays an important groundwork for further application of LTE-based IoT services. We will continue to work with our customers and make R&D efforts for innovative technologies in enabling IoT connectivity,” said Mr Sandeep Girotra, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan, Nokia.