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LTE-M in a nutshell

 

Deploying the IoT on a massive scale cannot be accomplished within a one-size-fits-all approach. Users, developers and customers will increasingly expect IoT solutions that can transmit more content in real-time, whether static or mobile, without being constrained by energy use, high costs or coverage. This is where LTE-M comes in.

As various low-power, wide area (LPWA) network technologies prove themselves adequate for many IoT applications, the 3GPP standardized several cellular-based IoT technologies, including LTE-M, to support new use cases and make them sustainable. Orange has endorsed LTE-M technology and prepares its deployment over its 4G footprint, in order to facilitate new IoT services, especially based on real-time communication and mobility.

LTE-M at a glance

LTE-M, a 3GPP-based IoT solution

4g Standardized evolution of 4G LTE
Antenna Inband deployment in existing LTE band 800/1800 MHz
done Implemented via 4G networks software upgrade
Lock SIM & eSIM* encryption and authentication
International_globe Compatible with existing M2M data roaming model
Clock Short roll-out time and low deployment costs
Europe map Deployment within Orange Europe footprint to start in 2018

Key strengths of the LTE-M standard

IoT Cat-M1 device support
Dollar Low cost modules (Target ~ 5$ )
Battery charging Power optimisation features: Power Saving Mode, eDRX
Antenna Extended coverage & deep indoor
Transfer Real-Time Bi-directional link
Mobile Data Half/full mode (max 380 kbps/1 Mbps)
Airbox High speed mobility support & connected mode handover
Volte VoLTE support*

LTE-M verticals and target use cases

Town Smart territories & industry

  • Smart metering
  • Vending machine management
  • Industrial M2M
  • Critical assets tracking
Automative & logistics

  • Fleet management
  • Onboard telemetry
Smart home Smart home

  • Remote control
  • Security (incl. video)
Personal IoT

  • Remote trackers
  • Wearables

*Basic VoLTE enabled by LTE-M standards to be implemented in secondary deployment phase

How Orange supports the deployment of LTE-M connectivity

Orange is actively involved in supporting the growth of LTE-M, which offers valuable solutions for mobile IoT and guarantees the sustainability of IoT solutions over several years. Pilot projects include field trials with network vendors, and validating chipsets and modules for European network bands.

Orange is already upgrading its 4G networks to deploy LTE-M, starting with its Belgium and Spain affiliates by end-2017, before extending to the rest of the Group’s European footprint.

Innovate with Orange

Orange is seeking partners to develop pilot projects with LTE-M connectivity in European markets. In May 2017, Orange inaugurated the Open IoT Lab at Orange Gardens, the group’s innovation campus in Châtillon, France. Developers and partners can apply to benefit from its resources, which include LoRa and LTE-M starter kits, testing tools in extended coverage conditions and support from Orange experts.

Find out more about the Open IoT Lab and how to apply