u-blox has announced plans to launch a module supporting Verizon's new Category M1 (Cat M1) LTE network, which is designed to allow a larger number of devices to connect to the Internet of Things (IoT). The SARA-R404M module is based on Qualcomm's MDM9206 LTE modem and is anticipated to be available for the Q4 2016 launch of Verizon's LTE Cat M1 network, which is scheduled to achieve nationwide US coverage by the end of Q1 2017. The new cost effective SARA-R404M complements u-blox’s extensive product offerings for the IoT market.
LTE Cat M1 is part of the new 3GPP Release 13 standard supporting low power wide area technologies in the licensed spectrum and specifically supports IoT applications with low to medium data throughput rates, as well as devices that require long battery lifetimes. Using licensed spectrum provides a secure, private and reliable network with managed and predictable service. The market focus for this new technology is extensive and will cover applications in many areas, such as the smart home, security systems, industrial monitoring and control, asset tracking, telematics, connected health, smart metering, smart cities and wearables.
The 3GPP Cat M1 specification also addresses the IoT’s need for LTE-grade low latency while consuming less power than 2G or 3G technologies, optimized for long battery life of up to 10 years for some use cases, which in turn means less maintenance and a reduced cost of ownership. Additionally, Cat M1’s handover capability delivers the technology necessary to support vehicle, asset and people tracking.
The MDM9206 modem from Qualcomm with support for Category M1 is engineered to deliver reliable, low power and optimized LTE cellular connectivity. This opens up a new set of revenue generating business models, as well as new types of services and offerings for industrial, commercial and smart cities applications.
