Since the introduction, IoT has brought many exciting things to us, digitizing your data collection to change the way you live. The ability of IoT to connect to overlook things, including gas meters, trash cans, or other minor things in life, can often go unnoticed.

While 4G is what comes to your mind while thinking about IoT, the next level of this is narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT) tech.

NB-IoT is commonly known as the cellular IoT, an emerging industry that can enhance the deployment of low-power wide area network (LPWAN) up to a global scale. Through stand-alone deployments, guard and in-band, and operator spectrum, NB-IoT can reach places across the globe without much effort.

High Impact with Lower Power

4G, and 5G soon, is essential for the modern digital world, but when it comes to connection, it must be available everywhere without needing much power. Devices and software like Cloud Desktop and other parameters are located in the basement or inaccessible areas, or even in a dam in some river. You cannot expect them to work with only reliable mobile service. They need to work all the times without requiring high power.

This is why NB-IoT and LPWAN were introduced to provide a long-range of mobile signals working efficiently at all costs. The combination of low power and maximum output requires a utility company to install meters around the water distribution channels, so they can easily detect leaks.

Enhanced battery life and low cost of installation are essential to keep the sensors connected. This solution can eliminate congestion and reduce carbon emission if used by the driver to monitor the parking spaces.

Moreover, using smart trash cans would inform you if they are empty or full while requiring the same need for enhanced battery life to keep everything running. These minor devices, when connected, can impact everyone’s life profoundly.

Using NB-IoT

There is no doubt in the potential of IoT and how it can change the world; they are still missing standards. IoT is becoming a more and more viable option for businesses and consumers; standards must be set to keep everything running in harmony. The same for the NB-IoT.

Focusing on the NB-IoT standards have been evolving to ensure that people can harness its full potential and leverage the technology. For instance, in the GSMA’s Mobile IoT Programme, they have used NB-IoT as one of the systems to promote alignment and engagement among new customers.

Majority of the vendors are already working on the ecosystem involving NB-IoT technology. The NB-IoT forum plans to create six NB-IoT labs to bring the technology in the market quickly. The open labs would focus on innovation, industry development, interoperability tests, and product delivery.

With the help of industry, with time, we will realize the full potential of NB-IoT.