AT&T and Sierra Wireless Pilot LTE-M Modules for Internet of Things

Sierra Wireless and AT&T have announced that they will run a pilot of a next generation LTE-M1 network this fall. The pilot is designed to drive new LTE network connections for IoT devices.

The Sierra Wireless LTE-M module will support the AT&T pilot, which will take place in the greater San Francisco Bay Area in November.

“Our work with Sierra Wireless will help drive the benefits of LTE-M to a broad range of businesses and industries,” said Chris Penrose, SVP, IoT Solutions, AT&T. “Our customers that use industrial, Smart Cities and wearable solutions are eager to tap into these new tools.”

LTE-M technology works specifically with IoT devices, such as smart meters, mHealth and wearables. AT&T plans to make the technology commercially available in 2017. Verizon has plans for the first quarter to release its own CAT M1 network.

LTE-M technology includes lower costs for gateway modules to the LTE network, longer battery life; sometimes more than 10 years for enabled IoT devices, better LTE coverage underground and in building areas that challenge existing coverage

 “Millions of new IoT devices and services require low-power, low-cost cellular connectivity, which Low Power Wide Area technologies like LTE-M are designed to deliver,” said Dan Schieler, SVP, OEM Solutions, Sierra Wireless. “This pilot will show how LTE-M will connect a new generation of IoT applications.”

Sierra Wireless AirPrime LTE-M modules, part of the industry-leading HL Series, are expected be commercially available in the first half of 2017. The HL Series uses the CF3 form factor, which is footprint-compatible across product lines and network technologies. And it’s fully interchangeable with current and future modules, according to Sierra Wireless.

It looks like LTE M and CAT M solutions will be the dragon to chase for the next few years while everyone decides how and when to implement 5G.