Ahead of its debut at MWC Americas, T-Mobile announced plans to roll out the first nationwide NB-IoT network in 2018.
A nationwide NB‑IoT (Narrowband IoT) network will accelerate deployment of IoT sensors, devices, and solutions. NB‑IoT uses very little spectrum while supporting many devices, offering extended coverage and improved battery life for connected devices.
“Not only have we built America’s best unlimited network, but this magenta army is also moving at a breakneck pace to support the future of connected devices in a 5G world,” said Neville Ray, Chief Technology Officer at T‑Mobile. “Our IoT customers can be confident their technology is future‑proof with the Un‑carrier.”
Earlier this year T‑Mobile completed America’s first NB‑IoT field test in partnership with Qualcomm and Ericsson. The operator is preparing for the expected rise in IoT devices worldwide—from an estimated 8.3 billion this year to around 20.4 billion by 2020, according to research firm Gartner.
“Connecting the IoT, and virtually everything, requires wireless technologies that can scale up for high‑performance IoT and scale down for low‑complexity applications,” said Vieri Vanghi, Vice President of Product Management at Qualcomm. “New LTE narrowband technologies deliver lower power consumption, better coverage, and higher device density.”
T‑Mobile plans to launch the first commercial NB‑IoT network in Las Vegas next month. In addition to NB‑IoT, the company confirmed support for the Cat‑M standard to serve IoT applications that require voice capability.
“The duopoly’s networks are already congested—just look at recent changes to Verizon’s unlimited plans,” Ray added. “My prediction: as we move toward 5G, they may lack sufficient low‑band spectrum to support both smartphones and the massive IoT ecosystem, leaving customers underserved.”
Are you looking forward to T‑Mobile’s nationwide NB‑IoT network? Share your thoughts in the comments.