LPWA in action: the brave new world of IoT

That’s where cellular Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) networks come in. The technology brings the benefits of IoT into reach for a much broader range of use cases. LPWA makes existing applications cheaper, faster and smarter, as well as opening the way for new IoT applications that were not possible before. So, whether you want to break new ground or add value to your current operations, LPWA could be the right choice. Read on to discover what companies are achieving with the technology right now. 

The what and why of LPWA
Cellular LPWA enables extensive coverage while keeping power consumption to a minimum. Its efficiency comes from sending smaller amounts of data at defined intervals and quickly powering down the transmitter in between.

Telia offers the two cellular LPWA network technologies officially included in the 5G standard: narrowband IoT(NB-IoT) and LTE-M). NB-IoT is better suited to simpler, stationary applications, while LTE-M is more versatile and supports greater mobility. Read more about the differences here. 

Image text: The two networks empower a variety of use cases, and many IoT modules support both technologies, enabling combined solutions.

New horizons for IoT
Cellular LPWA brings IoT into reach for applications where it wasn’t practicable or economical before. Range is a key factor – you can now connect devices that are underground or spread out in remote locations beyond normal cellular coverage, such as environmental monitoring stations. Like Heimdall Power has done in Norway, where LPWA connectivity enables them to connect power grid sensors in remote areas of the country. Read more about the case here

Another factor is battery life. With LPWA, a device can be left untouched for up to 10 years. LPWA lets you connect devices where accessibility is an issue, or where a large fleet of devices makes battery changes impracticable. 

Examples include everything from earthquake sensors to container trackers. On the Danish island of Bornholm, an LPWA solution notifies the waste collection company when bins need emptying. The extremely low power consumption give the sensors a longer lifespan than the waste containers, eliminating the risk of a power outage.

Boosting current applications
Cellular LPWA isn’t just about breaking new ground. Many of the use cases are about doing things faster, better, cheaper and with improved security.

Cheaper modules make it possible to add many more devices, which means you can easily scale up an existing solution or expand the scope to include new types of assets. Small-scale schemes can now become widespread services. 

The arrival of LTE-M brings a new dimension of mobility, giving great potential for new service offerings from existing solutions. That could means enabling a logistics solution to reliably track vehicles on the move. Or the freedom to connect assets wherever you need them, with an extensive network already in place.

Cellular LPWA also makes it possible to boost security levels. As standardised GSMA technologies, NB-IoT and LTE-M are inherently more secure than alternative solutions. They offer dedicated spectrum, eliminating the risk of interference from other devices.

Innovate or supercharge
Innovate new approaches. Or take existing IoT applications to the next level. Cellular LPWA offers great potential for companies that want a flexible, secure and future-focused platform for IoT success.