AT&T plans to pilot CAT-M1 network technologies later this year. They'll help businesses cut costs and boost device performance for Internet of Things (IoT) deployments

The carrier plans to pilot a CAT-M1 network in the San Francisco market starting in November.

Cat-M1 can operate on the existing network footprint and flexibly co-exist with mobile broadband services in the same spectrum. Its design supports next-generation IoT devices such as wearables and utility meters.

Expected Cat-M1 benefits:

• Access to low-cost module technology
• Extended battery life of 10 years or more for enabled IoT devices
• Enhanced LTE coverage for underground and in-building areas that challenge existing coverage.

Several key enterprise customers will take part in the pilot at the AT&T Labs in San Ramon, Calif. They represent a broad range of IoT uses – from alarm monitoring, smart meters, vending inventory and propane tank monitoring.

"Cat-M1 is an advantage for the millions of IoT devices and services coming on the market. We expect this pilot will prove that. This next-generation technology will help businesses gather near real-time information on assets around the world. It will bring a connected world closer to reality," said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, AT&T Internet of Things Solutions. "Following the trial we plan to make Cat-M1 available commercially in 2017."

Source: PRNewswire