AT&T LTE-M Network Pilot to Boost Connections for Internet of Things

 AT&T is working with technology leaders to show how new LTE-M[1] technology will bring the Internet of Things (IoT) to a new generation of devices and markets.

AT&T plans to pilot the LTE-M network in the San Francisco market starting in November. We will launch the technology across our commercial LTE network in 2017.

LTE-M technology will connect a wide variety of IoT solutions such as smart utility meters, asset monitoring, vending machines, alarm systems, fleet, heavy equipment, mHealth and wearables.

Key features expected from LTE-M are:

• Lower costs for modules that connect IoT devices to the LTE network.
• Longer battery life; up to 10 years for certain enabled IoT devices.
• Better coverage for IoT devices underground and deep inside buildings.

"We have pulled together players from across the ecosystem to pilot solutions for a myriad of industries and applications," said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T.  "LTE-M will provide a unique combination of enhanced coverage and longer battery life with carrier-grade security. It's part of our strategy to offer the widest range of IoT network options to our customers."

Participants in the pilot will include:

• Badger Meter – analyze how the LTE-M network, which is dedicated to supporting the IoT, may be used to enhance communications for smart water devices.
• CalAmp – explore how the LTE-M network can help companies more efficiently manage their connected vehicles and assets.
• Capstone Metering – demonstrate how LTE-M can improve Smart Cities sensor technologies. It will look to increase battery life and improve connectivity and sensor monitoring for underground smart water meters.
• PepsiCo -- examine and test ways that sensors can improve the in-store experience with smart vending solutions for the thousands of PepsiCo products consumers love and enjoy. 
• Samsung – evaluate an LTE-M-based solution to enhance performance for consumer solutions. This may include wearables or other consumer devices.

The pilot will also include solutions from a robust contingent of technology providers:  Altair,Ericsson, Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Sierra Wireless, u-blox, Wistron NeWeb Corp. (WNC), and Xirgo Technologies.

Source; AT&T release