Gemalto launches LTE Cat. M1 wireless module
January 2017 by Emmanuelle Lamandé
Gemalto is launching a LTE Cat. M1 wireless module for IoT solutions. The new Cinterion® LTE Cat. M1 solution delivers LTE for Machine-Type-Communication (MTC).
The new module is ideal for use cases not dependent on speed, but rather requiring network longevity and improved indoor coverage such as asset trackers, healthcare solutions, smart meters and industrial sensors.
Based on a dedicated LTE Cat. M1 chipset, the low-power, wide-area (LPWA) module offers extended coverage, including improved in-building and in-ground penetration. The solution operates on the LTE spectrum and is capable of supporting more than 10 frequency bands from a single hardware device. This eliminates the need for multiple variants providing simplified global deployment.
In the future, the new module will be able to run LTE NB-IoT protocols on the same hardware, giving customers a future-proof path to the latest network standards. Sharing the same footprint as existing Cinterion products, the LTE Cat. M1 solution enables migration from 2G and 3G devices.
Development samples are available immediately before debuting on the Verizon 4G LTE Cat M1 network in early 2017, which is scheduled to achieve nationwide US coverage by the end of Q1 2017.