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Companies claim world first by connecting roaming NB-IoT device to Finnish operator’s commercial 4G network.
Finland’s Sonera on Tuesday became the latest telco to conduct a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) trial.
The telco and its hardware partner Nokia established an NB-IoT connection on its live 4G network in Helsinki, communicating information about temperature, humidity and air pressure. The companies also claimed a world first by connecting a roaming NB-IoT device to the network, which is significant because IoT services such as asset tracking and fleet management will require cross-border connectivity.
"In Finland, we have a long tradition of developing and applying new technologies. The trial shows how the use of today’s mobile technology will fuel the continued growth of the IoT ecosystem to transform every aspect of our customers’ business and personal lives," said Jari Collin, CTO of Sonera, in a statement.
The trial used a Nokia base station operating in the 800 MHz band. Speeds of up to 200 kbps were recorded, which Nokia said demonstrates how NB-IoT can meet the demands of a growing number of devices that only require network connectivity in short bursts.
"This trial will lay the foundation for an IoT ecosystem in Finland, and allow Sonera to exploit the massive opportunities that it brings," said Adolfo Mansini, head of IoT connectivity at Nokia.
Sonera is one of a growing number of telcos pushing ahead with NB-IoT.
In October, T-Mobile Netherlands laid claim to the world’s first NB-IoT launch, initially switching on its network in major cities, followed by a nationwide rollout next year.
U.K.-based Vodafone recently revealed its NB-IoT rollout plan. It plans to start with Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain during the first quarter of next year.
Meanwhile, Singaporean operator M1 plans to deploy a nationwide NB-IoT network by mid-2017. Like Sonera, M1 is also working with Nokia.
