The GSM Association (GSMA) has published a new report outlining how mobile IoT technologies will play a central role in the 5G era.
Mobile IoT refers to Low-Power, Wide-Area (LPWA) technologies, primarily NB-IoT and LTE-M. These technologies are essential to building “massive IoT,” which the GSMA identifies as one of 5G’s three primary use cases alongside critical communications and enhanced mobile broadband.
Alex Sinclair, CTO of the GSMA, explains:
“While many people link 5G with very high mobile broadband speeds, 5G will also support a wide range of use cases with very different requirements — for example, low data rates and extended battery life, which are central to Mobile IoT.
Licensed NB-IoT and LTE-M networks are already providing reliable connectivity to millions of devices worldwide, and these networks will remain a core element of our 5G future, enabling an era of massive IoT.”
The GSMA, which represents the interests of mobile network operators globally, notes that several leading operators — including AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, KDDI, Orange, and Vodafone — are committed to deploying NB-IoT and LTE-M as part of their 5G strategies for massive IoT.
“Low-Power Wide-Area networks are the key to global deployment of IoT devices and applications, and their importance will only grow with 5G,” said Chris Penrose, President of Internet of Things Solutions at AT&T. “Our investment in Massive IoT in the U.S. and Mexico is another step toward 5G using 3GPP-standardized technology and licensed spectrum.”
Mobile IoT networks will enable widespread deployments including smart metering, logistics tracking, and environmental monitoring. 3GPP standards are designed to support these low-cost, low-data applications that demand long battery life and the ability to operate in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
Luke Ibbetson, Head of R&D at Vodafone and Chair of the GSMA NB-IoT Forum, adds:
“Vodafone helped pioneer NB-IoT and already operates networks in nine countries. We believe NB-IoT, as the first 5G Internet of Things technology, will form the foundation of a future where people and businesses are more connected and better informed about their surroundings.”
The latest 3GPP release, known as Release 15, is scheduled for completion in June and is expected to include standards that recognize NB-IoT and LTE-M within the 5G framework.
So far, 24 mobile operators have commercially launched a total of 48 Mobile IoT networks worldwide across NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies.
What are your thoughts on the GSMA’s report? Share your views in the comments.
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