Conversations about what cellular network technology operates the best is ongoing; what’s closer to the truth is that it depends on the end application. Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) is a type of Low Power Wide Area (LPWAN) technology designed for IoT applications that require connectivity over a wide range with low power consumption and low data transmission rates.
Recent research from Omdia shows that the LPWAN IoT landscape is primarily controlled by NB-IoT and LoRaWAN, making up 87% of total connections in 2023 – although it reported that 90% of connections are within China, while outside of China LoRaWAN is the leading LPWAN connectivity technology.
“NB-IoT will gain momentum in Europe after starting in 2023 as several service providers deploy satellite-based NB-IoT connectivity to address coverage gaps in remote areas,” commented Shobhit Srivastava, Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia.
The 3GPP Release 17 brought in non-terrestrial (NTN) networks to be part of the standard, making a standardised protocol for satellites. Stephan Bernard, Head of Business Development at Sateliot explained in a recent interview with IoT Insider that the legacy satellite market relied on different communication protocols, and this was more expensive, because “The operators not only have to deploy the satellites but they also have to provide the end-to-end solution to customers, meaning they have to manufacture their own devices,” he said.
Bernard referred to the point in time where we are now with satellite technology as “on the brink of a revolution,” as he saw the huge potential for satellite technology in offering connectivity across the globe, adding that they will be launching commercial satellites later this year.
Earlier this year, connectivity provider BICS announced a partnership with Skylo, an NTN operator to allow BICS to use Skylo for its network of satellites for NB-IoT connectivity. In setting the backdrop for the partnership, BICS explained that the number of connected IoT devices is expected to double by 2030, with vertical industries such as utilities, retail and wholesale, transportation and storage making up more than 100 million connected devices.
The thinking behind encouraging widespread adoption of NB-IoT is to be able to cope with the capacity of connected devices, and particularly those in difficult to connect areas such as rural or agricultural landscapes. NB-IoT is able to offer connectivity in these parts, meaning, for example, if a farmer wants to digitalise their farming operation, they have the connectivity to do so.
Some mobile network operators (MNOs) are demonstrating their savviness to the potential of NB-IoT. In 2023, Sateliot announced a partnership with Telefónica where Telefónica’s network was tested using a SIM card on an IoT cellular device and then switched to Sateliot’s network, to demonstrate that this could be done. In the announcement it was reported that Telefónica will be the first MNO to provide their customers with an NB-IoT worldwide connectivity using a combination of cellular and satellite NB IoT network. Carlos Carazo, Technology & Technical Operations Director of IoT and Big Data at Telefónica Tech called it an “important milestone”.
Other applications that are benefiting from the wide connectivity, low power consumption and low data transmission rates include smart cities, environmental monitoring and asset tracking. In February this year, BT launched its multi-million pound NB-IoT network to address connectivity in smart cities and vertical industries, such as enabling street lighting or underground water sensors to be connected.
In the announcement, Chris Keone, Managing Director, Division X at BT attributed “growing numbers of businesses” to waking up to the benefits offered by IoT applications and facilitated by NB-IoT. “Whether it’s building the smart cities of the future or reducing carbon emissions, our network will provide customers with the reliability and efficiency they need.”
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