AT&T to Launch Narrowband IoT Network Next Year

AT&T said it will launch next year a narrowband IoT network operating on licensed spectrum, “to meet the growing needs of business customers for a wide range of IoT solutions” in the U.S. and Mexico. The NB-IoT network will complement AT&T’s existing IoT network -- called LTE-M for LTE Cat M (see 1705180058), the carrier said Wednesday. “NB-IoT and LTE-M offer longer battery life, coverage extension, and lower costs than traditional cellular LTE connectivity,” AT&T said. “NB-IoT is ideally suited to meet basic data requirements, while LTE-M provides more robust capabilities including bandwidth for firmware and software updates, mobility and VoLTE (Voice over LTE).”