AT&T Launches LTE-M Network Pilot

AT&T has announced that it is working with technology leaders to show how new LTE-M technology will bring the IoT to a new generation of devices and markets. The company said it plans to pilot the LTE-M network in the San Francisco market starting in November and it will launch the technology across its commercial LTE network in 2017.

LTE-M technology will connect a wide variety of IoT solutions like smart utility meters, asset monitoring, vending machines, alarm systems, fleet, heavy equipment, mHealth and wearables.

“We have pulled together players from across the ecosystem to pilot solutions for a myriad of industries and applications,” said Chris Penrose, SVP, Internet of Things Solutions, AT&T. “LTE-M will provide a unique combination of enhanced coverage and longer battery life with carrier-grade security. It's part of our strategy to offer the widest range of IoT network options to our customers.”

Participants in the pilot will include:

• Badger Meter – analyze how the LTE-M network, which is dedicated to supporting the IoT, may be used to enhance communications for smart water devices.
• CalAmp – explore how the LTE-M network can help companies more efficiently manage their connected vehicles and assets.
• Capstone Metering – demonstrate how LTE-M can improve Smart Cities sensor technologies. It will look to increase battery life and improve connectivity and sensor monitoring for underground smart water meters.
• PepsiCo -- examine and test ways that sensors can improve the in-store experience with smart vending solutions for the thousands of PepsiCo products consumers love and enjoy. 
• Samsung – evaluate an LTE-M-based solution to enhance performance for consumer solutions. This may include wearables or other consumer devices.

The pilot will also include solutions from Altair, Qualcomm Technologies Inc., Sierra Wireless, u-blox, Wistron NeWeb Corp. (WNC), and Xirgo Technologies.