NB-IoT & LTE-M: Over 100 Operators have Deployed Networks

27 Mar 2019
Joe Barrett

NB-IoT (Narrowband Internet of Things). Growing momentum of LPWAN which is signalling operators now preparing to switch-off legacy 2G networks ahead of spectrum re-farming to connect the Internet of Things.

27 March 2019 – The Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) today reported that 102 operators in 52 countries have now either deployed or launched at least one of the NB-IoT or LTE-M technologies. Of these, 20 operators in 19 countries had deployed or launched both NB-IoT and LTE-M.

Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and LTE-M are low power wide area network (LPWAN) radio technology standards developed by the 3GPP to enable a wide range of cellular devices and services, in particular IoT and machine-to-machine applications.

As of the end of March 2019, GSA had identified:

• 149 operators in 69 countries investing in one or both of the NB-IoT and LTE-M network technologies
• 22 countries are now home to deployed/launched NB-IoT andLTE-M networks
• 28 countries are home to deployed/launched NB-IoT networks only, and two countries are home to deployed/launched LTE-M networks only
• 140 operators in 69 countries investing in NB-IoT networks; of which 88 operators in 50 countries had deployed/launched their networks
• 60 operators in 35 countries investing in LTE-M networks; of which 34 operators in 24 countries had deployed/launched their network

The latest global market status on the wider IoT ecosystem, including NB-IoT and LTE-M, is available for download for free from https://gsacom.com

“The global momentum behind LPWAN deployments is testament to the revenue opportunities which operators are racing to win and monetise in a diverse range of new IoT applications. Significantly, it can also be seen as a precursor to operators replacing legacy M2M services such as GPRS-based trackers and preparing the ground for the eventual switch-off of their 2G networks,” commented Joe Barrett, President, GSA.

The latest data on NB-IoT and LTE-M devices, is fully available to all employees of GSA Executive, Ordinary Member companies and GSA Associates who subscribe to GSA Analyser for Mobile Broadband Devices (GAMBoD) service.

GAMBoD is a unique search and analysis tool that has been developed by GSA to enable searches of mobile broadband devices and global data on Mobile Broadband Networks, Technologies and Spectrum (NTS).The LTE and 5G Devices database can be searched by supplier, form factor, features, peak downlink and uplink speeds, and operating frequency. Results are presented as a list or in charts. Charts may be inserted into documents or presentations, subject to accreditation of GSA as the source.

https://gsacom.com