Singtel Launches Singapore's First NB-IoT Network

Singtel has launched Singapore's first commercial narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) network in conjunction with Ericsson.

Singtel's IoT network supports CAT-M1 and NB-IoT devices, to allow businesses to benefit from applications with low power consumption while providing deeper wireless coverage as required for more bandwidth intensive applications.

It also offers a universal connected life management application that enables any device or service to interact with one another regardless of service provider or technology.

Singtel and Ericsson also recently signed an agreement to establish the Singtel IoT Innovation Lab, aimed at facilitating IoT deployments and the development of a local IoT ecosystem for enterprises and consumers.

“IoT will play a key role in realizing Singapore’s Smart Nation Vision and we are committed to working with our partners to address the growing demand for IoT services both in the enterprise and consumer space,” Singtel head of IoT Diomedes Kastanis said.

“With our Singtel IoT Innovation Lab and our capability to quickly introduce new services, we will bring industry-leading IoT and 5G innovation to businesses and consumers. These leading-edge technologies will enable Singaporeans to seamlessly manage all their devices at the tip of their fingers.”

The operator has been exploring IoT usage scenarios with local companies since 2016, covering applications including environmental sensing, asset tracking, waste management and monitoring of medicine consumption. The company is in trials with bike sharing company Mobike, smart metering solutions provider EDMI Limited and modem chip maker SIMCom Wireless Solutions.