GSA IoT Report August 2018 2

NB-IoT and LTE-M: Global
Market Status
Report based on intelligence gathered as part of GSA’s

ongoing industry research programme
August 2018
©Copyright 2018 Global mobile Suppliers Association 1

About this report
Since the March 2018 report Evolution to Narrow Band Internet of Things (IoT),
the mobile industry commitment to the range of 3GPP-standards-based Low
Power Wide Area (LPWA) technologies has been solidified with the commercial
launch of NB-IoT and LTE-M networks.
There has been a sharp increase in the number of operators investing in LTE-M
networks since the previous report. Notable examples include two Chinese
operators which had already launched NB-IoT networks.
In addition, the number of IoT modules for Cat-NB1 and Cat-M1 products
has increased substantially. We have also seen the release of chipsets and
modules compliant with Rel-14 Cat-NB2.
GSA will continue to follow the progress of the deployments of NB-IoT and LTE-M
networks and evolution of the network and device ecosystem from Cat-NB1
59 operators
have deployed and Cat-M1 to Cat-NB2 and Cat-M2, as well as other 3GPP IoT technologies.
or commercially
launched NB-IoT
Overview
networks
3GPP IoT technologies NB-IoT and LTE-M are set to become the global dominant
LPWA technologies that will enable the huge IoT market growth discussed
19 operators over the past few years.
have deployed
or commercially Early interest in IoT has developed into industry initiatives in areas like connected
launched Cat-M1 and autonomous vehicles, connected or smart homes, smart cities and smart
networks energy.
As GSA consistently reports, it is the acceleration of the 3GPP technology

154 modules ecosystem that determines the speed of adoption of mobile technologies. We
support either
see momentum building rapidly behind 3GPP-based IoT.
Cat-NB1/NB2 or
Cat-M1, or both 3GPP Release 13, which was finalised in June 2016, resulted in significant
numbers of commercial service launches and trials and increasing device
activity. During 2017 and 2018, deployment of 3GPP-based IoT has been rapidly
developing, at scale, around the world.
3GPP Release 14 was finalised in June 2017, enabling improvements in networks

and devices. We are beginning to see activity in the area with the launch of
silicon and modules supporting Cat-NB2, and vendors’ Rel-14-compliant RAN
portfolios, such as Huawei’s eRAN solution.
GSA Report | August 2018 | NB-IoT and LTE-M: Global Market Status
2
©Copyright 2018 Global mobile Suppliers Association
A large number of operators have launched IoT networks using either LTE-M
or NB-IoT and other operators have announced plans to launch through to
2020. In total 59 operators have deployed or launched NB-IoT networks and 19
operators have deployed or launched LTE-M networks. A technology is regarded
as deployed when it has been installed in the operator’s commercial network,
and it is intended to remain in use, as compared with a trial or pilot installation
that might be discontinued. A network is considered to be launched once it
New 3GPP IoT is available at least on a limited basis for the use of commercial customers.
use cases are
emerging in IoT infrastructure, chipsets, modules and devices are now available from a
areas such range of companies, large and small, well-established and start-ups.
as airport
infrastructure Companies are actively working on IoT use cases and opportunities in various
monitoring and vertical markets ranging from agriculture to energy utilities and from automotive
healthcare
to robotics. We expect the market to grow rapidly over the next five years and
for 3GPP technologies to account for much of that growth as they continue
to develop.
Another advance that could help drive the ecosystem is demonstration of NB-
IoT roaming, such as conducted by Deutsche Telekom Austria and Vodafone
Spain in Europe.
The size of the 3GPP ecosystem will further drive commercialisation of IoT, with
mobile operators, infrastructure suppliers, chipset and module manufacturers,
device companies as well as development and testing houses supporting new
services.
Quick facts
•• 116 operators are actively investing in NB-IoT technology of which ...
•• 59 have deployed/commercially launched NB-IoT networks
•• 32 are planning and/or deploying NB-IoT networks
•• 25 are trialling NB-IoT technology.
•• 47 operators are actively investing in LTE-M technology of which ...
•• 19 have deployed/commercially launched LTE-M networks
•• 12 are planning and/or deploying LTE-M networks
•• 16 are trialling LTE-M technology.
In terms of IoT equipment, GSA has identified:
•• 63 modules released supporting Cat-NB1 but not Cat-M1 (including
3
known variants)
•• 48 modules released supporting Cat-M1 but not Cat-NB1 (including
known variants)
•• 43 modules released supporting both Cat-NB1 and Cat-M1 (including
known variants).
These numbers are significantly higher than in our last report in March 2018.
Figure 1: Map of countries with deployed / launched NB-IoT and LTE-M networks
Technology status
NB-IoT and LTE-M are defined in 3GPP Release-13, completed in June 2016.
NB-IoT can be deployed within an LTE carrier, in the guard band, or in a stand-
alone carrier in other (non-LTE) spectrum. LTE-M is deployed within an LTE
carrier. Two User Equipment (UE) categories were defined: Cat-NB1 (for NB-IoT
networks), and Cat-M1 (for LTE-M networks).
3GPP Release 14 was frozen in June 2017. This included a variety of enhancements
to the IoT specifications. These included enhancements related to positioning and
location accuracy (based on UTDOA/OTDOA Uplink/Observed Time Difference
of Arrival), push-to-talk voice messaging, lower power consumption, multicast
(enabling over-the-air firmware updates for large numbers of devices), and
seamless cell selection/reselection (for improved mobility).
4
These improvements are reflected in new categories of devices that were also
set out in the specification: Cat-NB2 and Cat-M2 devices supporting greater
bandwidth and higher peak rate upstream and downstream speeds than their
Cat-NB1 and Cat-M1 counterparts, as well as support for positioning and single
cell multicast. Cat-M2 additionally supports enhanced mobility and single cell
multicast. Cat-NB2 provides improved energy consumption performance.
The first chipsets supporting the Rel-14 specifications are just being announced.
Examples include Sequans’s Monarch N single chip Cat-NB1/NB2 platform,
MediaTek’s single-mode MT2625 (supporting Cat-NB1/NB2) and dual-mode
MT2621 (supporting GSM and Cat-NB1/NB2), and Samsung’s new Exynos
i S111 Cat-NB1/NB2 platform.
Release 15 adds TDD support for NB-IoT/Cat-NB1/NB-2 and further power

enhancements.
The ultimate objective of the IoT work is to deliver specifications that enable
less complex UE with minimised transmit power, simpler downlink transmission
modes, ultra-long battery life via power consumption reduction techniques,
and better support for low coverage use cases such as meters and sensors in
buildings, basements or in remote locations.
Live and planned IoT networks

Seventy operators have deployed or launched 3GPP-standards-based LPWA
IoT services. Of these, eight have both NB-IoT and LTE-M networks.
Since our last report T-Mobile has launched an NB-IoT network in the USA. It
was followed by announcements of plans by the other two major players in
the market, Verizon and AT&T. Verizon plans to have achieved network rollout
by the end of 2018. AT&T plans a network launch in 2019 in both the USA and
Mexico.
Another large market where NB-IoT is progressing is India. Reliance Jio

launched its service in May 2018 and since then Vodafone and Bharti Airtel
have announced plans to launch NB-IoT networks by 2020.
Chinese operators with live NB-IoT networks have moved towards testing and
deploying LTE-M as a complementary system. China Telecom carried out pilots
with plans to launch in late 2018. In May 2018, China Unicom said it plans to
launch LTE-M in Q3 2018.
5
In South Korea, SK Telecom launched an LTE-M network in April 2018, and
continues trialling NB-IoT.
A total of 13 countries have launched both LTE-M and NB-IoT networks.

Operators that have both networks include Dialog Axiata in Sri Lanka, Etisalat
in UAE, Orange Belgium, HKT (CSL) Hong Kong, Singtel in Singapore, Telstra in
Australia, and Turkcell in Turkey. Telenor Denmark has deployed both networks,
but launch status is not confirmed.
NB-IoT launches, plans and trials
59 operators have deployed or launched NB-IoT networks. They are listed

in Table 1. There have been several launches since the March 2018 report.
These include those by TeliaSonera in Sweden, Belgacom/Proximus in Belgium,
Taiwan’s Chunghwa Telecom, Reliance Jio in India, True Move in Thailand, and
T-Mobile in the USA.
Country Operator Country Operator
Australia Telstra Hong Kong HKT (CSL Mobile Limited,
Australia Vodafone 1010, Sun Mobile)
Austria T Mobile Hong Kong Smartone
Belarus Velcom Hungary Magyar Telekom
Belgium BASE (Telenet) India Reliance (Jio) (Launched
Belgium Belgacom / Proximus limited availability)
Belgium Orange Ireland Vodafone
Canada Telus Israel Partner
China China Mobile Italy TIM
China China Telecom Italy Vodafone
China China Unicom Japan Softbank / Ymobile Corp
Croatia T-Hrvatski Telekom Netherlands T-Mobile
Czechia Vodafone Netherlands Vodafone
Denmark Telenor (Deployed) Norway Telia
Denmark TeliaSonera (Launched Poland T-Mobile Polska S.A
limited availability) Singapore M1
Finland DNA Singapore SingTel
Finland Elisa Slovakia Slovak Telekom
Finland TeliaSonera South Africa Vodacom
Germany Deutsche Telekom South Korea KT Corporation
(T-Mobile) South Korea LG Uplus
Germany Vodafone Spain Telefonica (Movistar)
Greece Cosmote Spain Vodafone
Greece Vodafone Sri Lanka Dialog Axiata
Hong Kong 3 HK Sri Lanka Mobitel
Hong Kong China Mobile Hong Kong Sweden TeliaSonera
Taiwan Asia Pacific Telecom
6
Taiwan Chunghwa Telecom Turkey Vodafone Turkey
Taiwan FarEasTone UK Vodafone
Thailand AIS United Arab Etisalat
Thailand True Move Emirates
Tunisia Ooredoo USA T-Mobile US
Turkey Turkcell
Table 1: Launched/deployed 3GPP-standards-based NB-IoT networks
Figure 2: Launched/deployed 3GPP-standards-based NB-IoT networks

There are 32 operators planning, piloting or deploying NB-IoT networks.
American operators Sprint and Verizon plan to launch NB-IoT in 2018. AT&T
plans to launch in 2019, and Dish is planning a network for 2020. New Zealand
and Brazil should have their first NB-IoT networks in 2018. TDC Denmark had
carried out pilots in Aalborg, and planned to launch in the city in June 2018;
however, we cannot confirm whether the network is actually commercial.
Table 2: Operators planning or deploying NB-IoT networks
Country Operator Status
Bahrain Batelco Planned
Brazil TIM Brasil Planned
Czechia T-Mobile Planned
Denmark TDC Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
France Orange Planned
Germany Telefonica (O2) Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
India Vodafone Planned
7
India Bharti Airtel Planned
Japan NTT DoCoMo Planned
Kuwait Zain Planned
Lao Lao Telecom Planned
Mexico AT&T Planned
New Zealand Vodafone Planned
Nigeria MTN Planned
Peru Telefonica Movistar Planned
Romania RCS & RDS (Digi Mobil) Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
Russia MTS Planned
Saudi Arabia STC Planned
Singapore StarHub Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
Slovenia Telekom Slovenije Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
South Africa MTN Planned
Sweden Tele2 Sweden Planned
Switzerland Swisscom Planned
Taiwan Taiwan Mobile Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
Taiwan Taiwan Star Mobile Planned
UK EE Planned
UK O2 Planned
United Arab Du Planned
Emirates
USA AT&T Mobility Planned
USA Verizon Wireless Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
USA Sprint Planned
USA DISH Planned
There are a further 25 operators that have been trialling NB-IoT technologies,
This is lower than in March 2018, as some networks that were trialling then
have progressed towards launch.
8
Table 3: Trials of 3GPP-based NB-IoT networks

Australia Optus Norway Telenor
Austria A1 Telekom Philippines Globe
Belarus MTS Portugal NOS
Brazil Vivo Romania Vodafone
Brazil Claro Russia Megafon/Yota
Chile Movistar Russia Vimpelcom (Beeline)
Estonia Tele2 Saudi Arabia Zain
France SFR Saudi Arabia Mobily
Indonesia Telkomsel South Korea SK Telecom
Japan KDDI Sweden Telenor Sweden
Kazakhstan Kar-Tel (Beeline) Sweden 3 Sweden
Kenya Safaricom Turkey Turk Telecom
Malaysia Celcom Axiata
LTE-M launches, plans and trials
There are 19 deployed/commercially launched LTE-M networks. New network

launches include Vodafone in the Netherlands, SK Telecom South Korea, and
Dialog Axiata Sri Lanka.
Table 4: Launched/deployed LTE-M networks

Australia Telstra Netherlands Vodafone
Belgium Orange Singapore SingTel
Denmark Telenor South Korea KT Corporation
Hong Kong HKT (CSL Mobile South Korea SK Telecom
Limited, 1010, Sun Sri Lanka Dialog Axiata
Mobile) Thailand AIS
Japan KDDI Turkey Turkcell
Japan Softbank / Ymobile United Arab Etisalat
Corp Emirates
Mexico AT&T USA AT&T Mobility
Mexico America Movil (Telcel) USA Verizon Wireless
Netherlands KPN
9
Figure 3: Launched/deployed LTE-M networks
There are 12 operators planning, piloting or deploying LTE-M networks. Notable

additions since March include the two Chinese operators China Telecom and
China Unicom – both companies plan launches in H2 2018. Other operators
planning launches this year include Spark in New Zealand, Bell Mobility in
Canada, and Orange France. T-Mobile also plans to launch a Cat-M1 network
in the USA, hot from its recent NB-IoT launch.
Table 5: Operators planning, piloting or deploying LTE-M networks
Belgium BASE (Telenet) Planned
Canada Bell Mobility Planned
China China Telecom Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
China China Unicom Planned
France Orange Planned
New Zealand Spark Piloting (test location/event) or deploying
Peru Telefonica Movistar Planned
Russia MTS Planned
Switzerland Swisscom Planned
UK O2 Planned
USA Sprint Planned
USA T-Mobile US Planned
10
GSA has identified another 16 operators trialling LTE-M.
Table 6: Operators trialling LTE-M networks

Brazil Claro Slovakia Orange Slovensko
Canada Telus South Africa MTN
China China Mobile Spain Orange
Finland TeliaSonera Spain Vodafone
France SFR Spain Telefonica (Movistar)
Japan NTT DoCoMo Taiwan Chunghwa Telecom
Netherlands T-Mobile Taiwan FarEasTone
Poland Orange Polska UK EE
Figure 4 shows the global map of 3GPP IoT investments, by type. Notably
there are now no countries that we are aware of that are solely investing in
Cat-M1. The map shows there are many countries and territories where both
technologies are being invested in by operators.
Figure 4: Map of countries investing in both NB-IoT and LTE-M, NB-IoT only or LTE-M only
Chipsets and modules

The number of modules, SoCs and chipsets released for Cat-NB1/NB2 and
Cat-M1 has grown quickly. In the past six months the GSA has identified
around 30 new modules or module variants supporting either Cat-M1 only,
11
NB1/NB2 only, or both. The rise is in step with the number of operators and
countries that are deploying both cellular IoT networks and suggests growing
momentum in the ecosystem.
Drawing on data from the GAMBoD database, the GSA’s chipset database and
additional research, GSA has logged:
•• 63 modules released supporting Cat-NB1 or NB2 but not Cat-M1

(including known variants)
•• 53 modules released supporting Cat-M1 but not Cat-NB1 or NB2
•• 48 modules released supporting both Cat-NB1 or NB2 and Cat-M1
•• 21 modem chipsets/SoCs/platforms supporting Cat-M1, Cat-NB1 or
NB2, or both.
Tables 7-9 provide more information about the modules we have identified.
Note that there is some uncertainty about the branding of products from
ZTEWelink, which is majority owned by Gosuncn. Note also that “modules” are
complete connectivity solutions and exclude packages for RF front end only.
Table 7: Modules supporting Cat-NB1 or NB2 but not Cat-M1 (including known variants)
Vendor Model Bands supported
Cheerzing ML5535 850 b5, 900 b8
Cheerzing ML2520 No information
CMCC M5310 850 b5, 900 b8
63 modules
support CMCC M5311 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8
Cat-NB1 or NB2 Digi International XBee Cellular NB-IoT 800 b20
but not Cat-M1 Fibocom N700-CN 850 b5, 900 b8
Gosuncn ME3612 No information
Gosuncn ME3616 IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8
H3C IM2210-NB IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8,
b20, b26
Hisense MN1 850 b5, 900 b8
Hisense MN2 IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8,
CEPT 800 b20
Lierda NB05-01 850 b5
Lierda NB08-01 900 b8
12
Maestro Wireless M112 #08 EMEA 900 b8
Solutions
Maestro Wireless M112 #K EMEA 800 b20
Solutions
Maestro Wireless M112 #BK EMEA 800 b20, 900 b8
Solutions
Maestro Wireless M112 #5 Asia Pacific 850 b5
Solutions
Maestro Wireless M112 #S Asia Pacific 700 b28
Solutions
Mobiletek L610-E 900 b8, 800 b20
Mobiletek L610-C 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8
Mobiletek L620 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8
Mobiletek L700-CU 900 b8, 1800 b3
Mobiletek L700-E 900 b8, 800 b20
Mokuai WH-NB73 850 b5, 900 b8
Mokuai USR-NB75 850 b5, 900 b8, 800 b20, APT 700
b28
Multi-Tech Systems MultiConnect Cell 100 Series 900 b8, 800 b20
MTC-NEU1
Neoway N20-CB b3, b5, b8
Neoway N20-EB b3, b8, b20
Quectel BC26 IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8,
1900 b2 AWS b4, 700 b12, 700 b13,
700 b17, 850 B18, 850 b19, 800 b20,
1900 b25, 850 b26, 700 b28, AWS Ext.
b66
1900 b2 AWS b4, 700 b12, 700 b13,
700 b17, 850 B18, 850 b19, 800 b20,
1900 b25, 850 b26, 700 b28, AWS Ext.
b66
Quectel BC35-G IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8,
800 b20, 700 b28
Quectel BC95-B8 900 b8
Quectel BC95-G 1800 b3, 800 b20, 2100 b1, 850 b5,
700 b28, 900 b8
13
1900 b2 AWS b4, 700 b12, 700 b13,
700 b17, 850 B18, 850 b19, 800 b20,
1900 b25, 850 b26, 700 b28, AWS Ext.
b66
Quectel BC68 850 b5, 700 b28, 900 b8, 1800 b3,
800 b20, 2100 b1
Ruijie Networks RG-NB6118 900 b8
Ruijie Networks RG-NB6110 850 b5
Sercomm TPB40-8 900 b8
Sercomm TPB23 Multiple bands (inc. b3, b5, b8, b20)
Sercomm TPB41 Multiple bands (inc. b3, b5, b8, b20)
SIMcom Wireless SIM7020C 2100 b1, 850 b5, 900 b8, 1800 b3
SIMcom Wireless SIM7020E 700 b28, 900 b8, 1800 b3, 800 b20,
2100 b1, 850 b5
SIMcom Wireless SIM7030 IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8
SIMcom Wireless SIM7000C-N IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8
SIMcom Wireless SIM7000E-N 1800 b3, 700 b28, 800 b20, 900 b8
Telit NE866B1-E1 800 b20, 900 b8
Telit NE910C1-E1 800 b20, 900 b8
Telit NL865B1-EA 800 b20, 900 b8
u-blox SARA-N200 900 b8
u-blox SARA-N211 800 b20, 900 b8
u-blox SARA-R410M-02B 1900 b25, 900 b8, 800 b18, AWS b4,
700 b28, 1800 b3, 800 b19, 700 b17,
800 b20, 700 b12, 2100 b1, 1900 b2,
850 b5, 800 b26, 700 b13
ZTE ME3612-U1B AWS b4, 1900 b2, 700 b12, 700 b13
Table 8: Modules supporting Cat-M1 but not Cat-NB1 or NB2 (including known variants)
48 modules AsiaTelco LM Series (Cat M1) 700 b13, AWS b4
support AT&T WNC IMS2 1900 b2, AWS b4, 700 b12
Cat-M1 but not
Digi International XBee Cellular LTE-M 700 b13, AWS b4
Cat-NB1 or NB2
(Verizon)
Digi International XBee Cellular LTE-M (AT&T) 1900 b2, 700 b12, AWS b4
Digi International XBee3 Cellular LTE-M 700 b12, 850 b5, AWS b4, 1900 b2
Fibocom M210-AM AWS b4, 700 b13
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Fibocom M210 LTE-M module family Various options
Gemalto Cinterion EMS31-V AWS b4, 700 b13
Gemalto Cinterion EMS31-US AWS b4, 1900 b2, 700 b12
Gemalto Cinterion EMS31-X 700 b12, 700 b13, AWS b4, 1900 b2
Gemalto Cinterion EMS31-W 1800 b3, 900 b8 (multiband,
examples given)
Huawei ME309-562 1900 b2, AWS b4, 700 b12, 700 b13
KDDI KYW01 No information
LinkLabs LL-LTE-M-VZN-S 700 b13, AWS b4
LinkLabs LL-LTE-M-VZN-SE 700 b13, AWS b4
Maestro Wireless M113 #D Verizon 700 b13
Solutions
Maestro Wireless M113 #245C AT&T, T-Mobile, 1900 b2, 700 b12, 850 b5, AWS b4
Solutions Sprint
Mobiletek L600-V AWS b4, 700 b13
Mobiletek L700-A 1900 b2, 700 b12
Mobiletek L700-V 700 b13, AWS b4
Mobiletek L600-A 1900 b2, AWS b4, 700 b12
Mobiletek L600-C 2100 b1, 1800 b3, 900 b8
Mobiletek L600-J 2100 b1, 900 b8, 800 b18, 850 b19
Multi-Tech Systems MultiConnect Cell 100 Series 1900 b2, AWS b4, 700 b12
MTC-MAT1
Multi-Tech Systems MultiConnect Cell 100 Series AWS b4, 700 b13
MTC-MVW1
Multi-Tech Systems MultiConnect Dragonfly 700 b12, 850 b5, AWS b4, 1900 b2
Nano MTQN-MAT2-B01
Multi-Tech Systems MultiConnect Dragonfly 1900 b2, 700 b12, 850 b5, AWS b4
Nano MTQN-MAT2-B02
Multi-Tech Systems MultiConnect Dragonfly 700 b13
Nano MTQN-MVW2-B01
Multi-Tech Systems MultiConnect Dragonfly 700 b13
Nano MTQN-MVW2-B02
Neoway N20-US 1900 b2, AWS b4, 700 b12, 700 b13
Nimbelink Skywire NL-SW- LTE-SVZM20 AWS b4, 700 b13
for Verizon
Nimbelink Skywire NL-SW- LTE-SVZM21 AWS b4, 700 b13
for Verzon
Nimbelink Skywire NL-SW-LTE-TM1G-V AWS b4, 700 b13
Nimbelink Skywire NL-SW-LTE-TM1G-A 1900 b2, 700 b12, AWS b4
Our Net (SK WM-N400MS 1800 b3, 850 b5
Telecom)
Sequans VZM20Q EZLinkLTE AWS b4, 700 b13
15
Sercomm TPM10 PCS 1900 b2, AWS b4, 700 b12, 700
b13
Sierra Wireless AirPrime HL7718 Americas 700 b13
Sierra Wireless AirPrime HL7748 Americas AWS b4, 1900 b2, 700 b12
Sierra Wireless AirPrime HL7749 Australia 1800 b3, 700 b28
SIMcom Wireless SIM7000JC 2100 b1, 1800 b3, 900 b8, 800 b26
Telit ME910C1-NV for Verizon 700 b13, AWS b4
Telit ME866A1-NV for Verizon 700 b13, AWS b4
Telit ME866A1-NA for AT&T AWS b4, 1900 b2, 700 b12
Telit ME910C1-NA for AT&T AWS b4, 1900 b2, 700 b12
Telit ML865C1-NA 1900 b2, 700 b12, 700 b13, AWS b4
u-blox SARA-R410M-52B 1900 b2, AWS b4, 850 b5, 700 b12,
1800 b13
ZTE ME3612-U1A 1900 b2, 700 b12, 700 b13, AWS b4
Table 9: Modules supporting both Cat-NB1 or NB2 and Cat-M1 (including known variants)
43 modules Broadmobi BM207 2100 b1, 850 b5, TDD 1900 b39, 900
support b8, 800 b26, 1800 b3
both Cat-M1 and Broadmobi BM817C-M 2100 b1, 850 b5, 900 b8, 1800 b3
Cat-NB1 or NB2 Cheerzing ML3500 1900 b2, 800 b20, 800 b26, 2100 b1,
TDD 1900 b39, 850 b5, 800 b18, 700
b13, 700 b28, 900 b8, 800 b19, AWS
b4, 700 b12, 1800 b3
H3C IM2209 NB-IoT: 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8;
Cat-M1: 1800 b3, TDD 1900 b39, 900
b8, 850 b5
LinkLabs LTE Cat-M1 GPS System for 700 b13, AWS b4
Verizon
Longsung A9500 Three variants, for China, Europe and
Americas
Maestro Wireless M113 World 900 b8, 1900 b2, 1800 b3, 700 b28,
Solutions 800 b20, 700 b13, 700 b12, 850 b5,
AWS b4
MeiG SLM150 700 b13, TDD 1900 b39, 900 b8, 800
b18, AWS b4, 700 b28, 1800 b3, 800
b19, 700 b17, 800 b20, 700 b12, 2100
b1, 1900 b2, 850 b5, 800 b26
MeiG SLM151-T 850 b5, 900 b8, 1800 b3
MeiG SLM 151-M 850 b5, 900 b8, 1800 b3
Mobiletek L700-CM TDD 1900 b39, 900 b8
Mobiletek L700-CT 2100 b1, 800 b26, 1800 b3
16
muRata LBAD0XXlSE 850 b5, 900 b8, 700 b12-b14, 700
b17, 850 b18-b19, 800 b20, E850 b26,
700 b28, IMT Core b1, 1900 b2, 1800
b3, AWS b4, 1900 b25, TDD 1900 B39,
AWS b66
Neoway N20-CN b3,b5,b8 (and b39 Cat-M1 only)
Neoway N20-EU 1800 b3, 900 b8, 800 b20
Neoway N20-JP IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 900 b8, 850
b18, 850 b19, E850 b26
Neoway N20-AP 1800 b3, APT 700 b28
Neoway N20-AU 850 b5, 900 b8, 1800 b3, 700 b28
Pycom FiPy 1.0 900 b8, 700 b17, 2600 b7, 1800 b3,
800 b20, 700 b13,850 b5, AWS b4
(34 bands support from 699MHz -
2690MHz)
Pycom GO1 AWS b4, 2600 b7, 1800 b3, 700 b17,
800 b20, 2100 b1, 1900 b2, 850 b5,
700 b13, 900 b8 (34 bands support
from 699MHz - 2690MHz)
Quectel BG36 B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B8/B12/B13/B18/
B19/B20/B26/B28 IMT Core b1, 1900
b2, 1800 b3, AWS b4, 850 b5, 900
b8, 700 b12, 700 b13, 850 b18, 850
b19, 800 b20, 850 b26, 700 b28, (TDD
1900 b39 supported by CAT-M1 only)
Quectel BG96-NA 1900 b2, 700 b12, 700 b13, AWS b4
Quectel BG96-AU 850 b5, 1800 b3, 700 b28
Quectel BG96-EC 900 b8, 1800 b3, 800 b20
Quectel BG96 for Global (B39 Cat-M1 700 b28, 900 b8, 800 b19, AWS b4,
only) 700 b12, 1800 b3,1900 b2, 800 b20,
800 b26, 2100 b1, TDD 1900 b39,850
b5, 800 b18, 700 b13
Ruijie Networks RG-NB6210 IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8,
Sequans Monarch SiP 699 MHz - 2.2. GHz
Sierra Wireless AirPrime WP7700 Global 800 b18, AWS b4, 700 b28, 1800 b3,
800 b19, 700, b17, 800 b20, 700 b12,
2100 b1, 1900 b2, 850 b5,800 b26,
700 b13, TDD 1900 b39, 900 b8
Sierra Wireless AirPrime WP7702 Global 1800 b3, 800 b19, 700 b17, 800 b20,
700 b12, 2100, b1, 1900 b2, 850 b5,
800 b26, 700 b13, TDD 1900, b39,
900 b8, 800 b18, AWS b4, 700 b28
17
Sierra Wireless Airprime HL7800 IMT Core b1, 1900 b2, 1800 b3, AWS
b4, 850 b5, 900 b8, 1700 b9, 700
b12, 700 b14, 700 b13, 700 b17, 850
b18, 850 b19, 800 b20, PCS 1900
b25, 850 b26, 850 b27, 700 b28, AWS
extension b66
Sierra Wireless Airprime HL7802 IMT Core b1, 1900 b2, 1800 b3, AWS
b4, 850 b5, 900 b8, 1700 b9, 700
b12, 700 b14, 700 b13, 700 b17, 850
b18, 850 b19, 800 b20, PCS 1900
b25, 850 b26, 850 b27, 700 b28, AWS
extension b66
SIMcom Wireless SIM7000C IMT Core b1, 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8,
SIMCom Wireless SIM7000E FDD-LTE b3, b8, b20
SIMCom Wireless SIM7000A 1900 b2, 700 b12, 700 b13, AWS b4
Telit ML865C1-EA 800 b19, 850 b5, 700 b28, 900 b8,
800 b26, 1800 b3, 800 b18, 800 b20,
2100 b1
Telit ML865C1 800 b19, 850 b5, 700 b28, 900 b8,
800 b26, 1800 b3, 800 b18, 800 b20,
2100 b1
Telit ME910C1-E1 1800 b3, 900 b8, 800 b20
Telit ME910C1-AU 1800 b3, 850 b5, 900 b8, 700 b28
Telit ME910C1-WW 13 bands
u-blox SARA-R412M-02B 1900 b2, 1800 b3, AWS b4, 850 b5,
900 b8, 700 b12, 700 b13, 800 b20,
700 b28 (TDD 1900 b39 in M1 only)
u-blox SARA-R410M-02B 1900 b2, 1800 b3, AWS b4, 850 b5,
900 b8, 700 b12, 700 b13, CEPT 800
B20
Yuge Information LPM2100 850 b5, 900 b8, TDD1900 b39
Technology
ZTEWelink ME3612 IMT Core b1, 1900 b2, 1800 b3, AWS
b4, 850 b5, IMT Ext. b7, 900 b8, 1500
b11, 700 b12, 700 b13, 850 b18, 850
b19, 800 b20, 1500 b21, 850 b26, 850
b27, 700 b28, 450 b31, TDD 1900
b39, TDD 2600 b41
18
In the entries in Table 10 below, of silicon supporting Cat-NB1 and Cat-M1, we
identify chipsets explicitly supporting Rel-14 Cat-NB2. Note that other chipsets
may be upgradeable to Cat-NB2 support. Table 10 excludes silicon that does
not deliver a complete connectivity solution; modem chipsets and complete
platforms are included, but baseband processors and application processors
with no RF capability are excluded. This has resulted in the removal from this
table of some devices previously listed.
Table 10: Silicon for use in devices on LTE-M and NB-IoT networks
Vendor Model Technology Details

Altair ALT1210 LTE-M Supports 450MHz, 699–
Semiconductors 960MHz and 1700–2200MHz
Altair ALT1250 Both Supports 699–960MHz and
Semiconductors 1700–2200MHz frequencies
CEVA Dragonfly NB1 NB-IoT SoC design
CEVA Dragonfly NB2 BN-IoT (Cat-NB2) SoC design
GCT GDM7243I Both
Intel XMM 7115 NB-IoT Modem chipset
Intel XMM 7315 Both Modem chipset
MediaTek MT2621 NB-IoT Chipset
MediaTek MT2625 NB-IoT SoC; supports bands from
450 MHz to 2.1 GHz
Neul Boudica 120 NB-IoT SoC
Neul Boudica 150 NB-IoT SoC
Nordic Nordic nRF91 Both SoC
Semiconductor
Qualcomm Snapdragon Both Processor for wearables
Wear 1200
Qualcomm MDM9206 Both Modem chipset
RDA RDA8908 NB-IoT SoC
Microelectronics
Samsung Exynos i S111 Both (inc Cat-NB2) Platform
Sequans Monarch Both SoC
Sequans Monarch N Both (inc Cat-NB2) SoC
Sequans Monarch SX Both SoC
Sequans / ST CLOE Both Tracker platform
Micro
ZTE (Sanechips) RoseFinch 7100 Both Processor using CEVA-X1
design
In the tables above it is possible that not all regional or operator variants of
modules and chipsets have been listed.
19
Evolving use cases
IoT and NB-IoT/LTE-M use cases are gaining momentum. The examples in Table
11 are a selection of use cases recently tested, trialled or launched. The trend
to integration of 3GPP LPWA IoT technologies into larger systems continues,
and also noticeable is the widening of fields of application beyond utilities.
We would expect this diversification to continue as more operators launch
networks and cellular IoT becomes increasingly visible.
Table 11: Examples of emerging use cases for NB-IoT and LTE-M
Country Operator Area Details
Australia Telstra Telecoms Telstra-enabled VoLTE over LTE-M
network
Brazil None Utilities, u-blox, Huawei, Vivo, CAS Tecnologia,
consumer pet smart meter manufacturers, and
tracking PinMyPet have field tested NB-IoT
networks in Brazil for use in metering
and tracking applications. The tests use
u-blox’s SARA-N2 NB1 module
Chile Telefonica Utilities Telefonica, Huawei and Kamstrup
have trialled NB-IoT water meters in
Chile. Telefonica plans to enlarge the
original study size to 300 residential
water meters by reusing the 700 MHz
frequency band.
China China Mobile Healthcare Ericsson, AstraZeneca, Wuxi National
Hi-Tech District and China Mobile are
co-developing NB-IoT-enabled, patient-
focused solutions. Medical equipment
is being connected to allow real-time
machine analysis.
Germany Deutsche Airports, road Duesseldorf airport, Deutsche
Telekom infrastructure Telekom and BS2 Sicherheitssysteme
are building a monitoring system for
concrete transportation infrastructure
using sensors connected to an NB-IoT
network.
Hong Kong China Mobile Environment Using NB-IoT network to monitor trees
HK in Tai Tong, Yuen Long
Japan KDDI Utilities Smart gas metering project using
Altair’s ALT1250 LTE-M chipset
Romania Vodafone Oil and gas Worked with OMV Petrom to trial NB-
IoT on a commercial network to monitor
wells in isolated areas
20
Country Operator Area Details
South Africa Vodacom Utilities Vodacom is using an NB-IoT network
to trial smart water metering on its
campus at Midrand, Johannesburg. It
uses the 900 MHz spectrum band.
South Korea KT Child care Launched a child monitoring solution
over its NB-IoT network
South Korea SK Telekom Parking Revealed a Cat-M1 based Black Box
Modem for car parking on mobile and a
blood glucose monitor.
USA T-Mobile Waste Sensoneo used T-Mobile’s NB-IoT
network in a trial of waste fill-level
sensors. Planned to continue using
network after launch.
USA T-Mobile Smart city Trialling NB-IoT network in Las Vegas,
USA, for smart city applications.
GSA notes the positive developments in the IoT ecosystem, trials, commitments
and commercial launches of NB-IoT and LTE-M and expects rapid growth across
the whole industry during the next 5 years. We will continue to track progress
of IoT developments and the progress of 3GPP IoT technologies.
21
About GSA
GSA (the Global mobile Suppliers Association) is a not-for-profit industry
organisation representing companies across the worldwide mobile ecosystem
engaged in the supply of infrastructure, semiconductors, test equipment,
devices, applications and mobile support services.
GSA actively promotes the 3GPP technology road-map – 3G, 4G, 5G – and
is a single source of information resource for industry reports and market
intelligence. GSA Members drive the GSA agenda and define the communications
and development strategy for the Association.
Membership of GSA is open to any supplier of products; systems or services

related to the mobile industry and brings many benefits including access to
the GAMBoD and NTS database. The range of benefits includes enhanced
discussion, networking and influencing opportunities on the key industry
topics, and unique promotional/visibility opportunities for your company
name, capabilities, positioning and messages. More details can be found at
https://gsacom.com/gsa-membership/
News/updates: RSS Feed: https://gsacom.com/rss-feeds/
GSA LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2313721
LTE User Devices LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4146472
LTE-Unlicensed LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/groups/8601576
Twitter: www.twitter.com/gsacom
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Global-mobile-Suppliers-Association-
GSA/123462771012551
Contact
GSA Secretariat
Email: research@gsacom.com
Tel: +44 330 113 1572
GSA website: https://gsacom.com
NOTE: Errors and omission excepted
22

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NB-IoT and LTE-M: Global

Report based on intelligence gathered as part of GSA’s

©Copyright 2018 Global mobile Suppliers Association 1

As GSA consistently reports, it is the acceleration of the 3GPP technology

3GPP Release 14 was finalised in June 2017, enabling improvements in networks

•• 63 modules released supporting Cat-NB1 but not Cat-M1 (including

Release 15 adds TDD support for NB-IoT/Cat-NB1/NB-2 and further power

Live and planned IoT networks

Another large market where NB-IoT is progressing is India. Reliance Jio

A total of 13 countries have launched both LTE-M and NB-IoT networks.

NB-IoT launches, plans and trials

59 operators have deployed or launched NB-IoT networks. They are listed

Table 1: Launched/deployed 3GPP-standards-based NB-IoT networks

Figure 2: Launched/deployed 3GPP-standards-based NB-IoT networks

Country Operator Country Operator

LTE-M launches, plans and trials

There are 19 deployed/commercially launched LTE-M networks. New network

Country Operator Country Operator

There are 12 operators planning, piloting or deploying LTE-M networks. Notable

Country Operator Country Operator

Chipsets and modules

•• 63 modules released supporting Cat-NB1 or NB2 but not Cat-M1

Vendor Model Technology Details

Membership of GSA is open to any supplier of products; systems or services

News/updates: RSS Feed: https://gsacom.com/rss-feeds/

GSA LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2313721

LTE User Devices LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=4146472

LTE-Unlicensed LinkedIn group: www.linkedin.com/groups/8601576

Tel: +44 330 113 1572

GSA website: https://gsacom.com

NOTE: Errors and omission excepted

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