LTE Cat M1 is part of the new 3GPP Release 13 standard, which supports low-power, wide-area technologies in licensed spectrum. It is specifically designed for IoT applications with low to medium data transmission speeds, as well as devices requiring long-life batteries. Using licensed spectrum enables a secure, private, and reliable network with predictable, managed service. The market focus for this new technology is broad, encompassing applications in diverse areas such as smart homes, security systems, industrial monitoring and control, asset tracking, telematics, eHealth, smart metering, smart cities, and wearables.
The 3GPP Cat M1 specification also addresses the IoT need for the low latency of the LTE standard, while consuming less power than 2G or 3G technologies. It is optimized for batteries with up to 10 years of lifespan in some applications, resulting in less maintenance and a lower total cost of ownership. Additionally, Cat M1's handover capabilities provide the necessary technology to support the location of vehicles, assets, and people.
“u-blox is a global leader in the development of mobile modules designed for IoT applications. We are very pleased to expand our long-standing collaboration with Verizon and to supply modules compatible with Verizon’s new LTE Cat M1 network,” said Nic Papadopoulos, president of u-blox Americas.
“u-blox is a valued partner that has supplied several radio modules for use on the Verizon network,” said Chris Schmidt, executive director of Device Technology at Verizon. “We are excited to see cost-effective LTE solutions like the u-blox SARA-R404M come to market, expanding the range of modules available to customers for connecting to Verizon’s LTE Cat M1 network.”
“We are excited about this opportunity to collaborate with u-blox and Verizon to bring a new generation of connected devices to the IoT,” added Serge Willenegger, senior vice president of Product Management at Qualcomm Technologies Inc. “The Qualcomm Technologies MDM9206 modem, compatible with M1 type technology, is designed to provide reliable, optimized, and low-power LTE mobile connectivity. This opens up possibilities for new revenue-generating business models and new types of services and offerings for industrial, commercial, and smart city applications.”
