UK telecoms provider, BT, has rolled out its new Narrow Broadband-IoT (NB-IoT) network to support the digital transformation of utilities, construction, and the public sector.
NB-IoT is a low-power network that connects devices, using cellular telecommunications bands, to automate processes that currently require manual oversight or direct involvement. It operates on a licensed spectrum, which provides a secure and reliable connection and uses narrowband radio technology to enable a wide range of devices to be connected.
“As the NB-IoT network runs on our existing network it is a more sustainable, readily available, low-power network than alternatives such as LoRaWAN where additional infrastructure needs to be built and managed,” a BT spokesperson told CTA.
The underlying connectivity is provided by EE, BT Group’s mobile network operator, and will enable low-data-demand assets to be connected over a smart network. BT says this will not only deliver long battery life, but can also enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
“IoT solutions today are often quite fragmented,” added the spokesperson. “BT is well placed to bring that fragmented ecosystem together and make things simple for customers and drive real value from understanding the physical world through IoT – enabling businesses to make better decisions, be more efficient and more sustainable.”
The spokesperson added that BT’s target customer base includes cities and their smart city applications such as street lighting, air quality monitoring and smart sensors in car parks. The water industry can also benefit from IoT sensors to support pipeline management and automatically detect leaks.
“A number of reports have predicted how much the IoT market will grow over the next few years, both in the UK and internationally,” said the spokesperson. “As organisations continue to embark on digital transformation projects, IoT will provide a low cost and effective option to support many use cases and automate more of their operations.”
Image: Supparsorn Wantarnagon | Dreamstime.com