LMT has become the first mobile operator in the Baltic countries to implement the next generation IoT LTE-M network.
It is currently operational throughout Latvia, and is intended to support smart devices and sensors to provide a longer battery life and less data consumption.
The development of the 5G network is accompanied by the development of various sensors and smart devices that are connected to the internet – starting with smartwatches and smart home systems, all the way to medical devices, manufacturing automation, and smart city solutions.
Alongside voice and web search technologies many operators worldwide are starting to implement the IoT, which allows to extend devices’ performance, powered by a single battery, and significantly reduces its energy waste caused by data transmission.
“The new IoT standard foresees that in the nearest future single battery powered sensors will be able to perform up to 10 years without a recharge or a connection to the electrical network. It significantly increases the range of options for using sensors and smart solutions in various industries. The IoT will allow digitizing and automatizing numerous processes, so more effective, convenient and sustainable working and living will be possible,”
the CEO of LMT Juris Binde indicates various opportunities brought by the implementation of IoT.At the moment LMT is one of the very few operators worldwide that provides both of the most recent IoT technologies– NB IoT, more suitable for static devices, and LTE-M, more sufficient for moving devices and sensors.
Both IoT solutions are seen as essential components of the 5G network. Whereas LMT providing NB IoT and LTE-M in Latvia gives its clients a unique opportunity to use the latest IoT solutions and devices.
Moreover, it gives the local manufacturers and startups an excellent chance to develop new products for the local market as well as for export purposes.
Most commonly used IoT devices in Latvia at this time are water counters, smart street lighting, parking sensors and smart home appliances. More and more IoT devices are developed for health monitoring, entertainment, pets, gardening, as a wide range of different industries is coming up with new technologies adapted to IoT.