LTE-M and NB-IoT are Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) developed for IoT. These relatively new forms of connectivity come with the benefits of lower power consumption, deep penetration, smaller form factors and, maybe most importantly, reduced costs.
A quick overview
LTE-M stands for Long Term Evolution for Machines and is the simplified term for eMTC LPWA (enhanced machine type communication low power wide area) technology.
NB-IoT stands for NarrowBand-Internet of Things and, like LTE-M, is a low power wide area technology developed for IoT.
The following table compares key attributes for the two IoT technologies and is based on information from 3GPP Release 13. You can find data from other releases summarised in this Narrowband IoT Wikipedia article.
The above information is an incomplete but helpful starting point if you’re trying to decide whether NB-IoT or LTE-M is best suited to your IoT project.
With that quick overview in mind, let’s dive a bit deeper. Some further insights on attributes such as coverage/penetration, globality, power consumption, mobility, and freedom to leave will help your decision.
Global deployment and roaming
NB-IoT can be deployed on both 2G (GSM) and 4G (LTE) networks, while LTE-M is solely for 4G. However, LTE-M is already compatible with the existing LTE network, while NB-IoT uses DSSS modulation, which requires specific hardware. Both are planned to be available on 5G. These factors, plus some others, impact availability around the world.
Global availability
Fortunately, GSMA has a handy resource called the Mobile IoT Deployment Map. In it, you can see the global deployment of NB-IoT and LTE-M technologies.
Operators typically deployed LTE-M first in countries that had LTE coverage already (e.g. the US). It’s relatively easier to upgrade an existing LTE tower to support LTE-M than to add NB-IoT support.
However, if LTE is not supported already, it is cheaper to put up new NB-IoT infrastructure.
These initiatives are also intended to raise user awareness about efficient and smart usage of electricity through these meters.
Post time: Dec-13-2022
