Ericsson said it will deliver new cellular low-power wide area (LPWA) software to Verizon that will enable the U.S. operator to utilise its existing LTE infrastructure for large-scale Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.
The infrastructure vendor said its recently launched Networks Software 17A LPWA software will enable Verizon to extend the use of its LTE network to a larger number of IoT services by enabling the operator to support the low-power, low-cost and less complex connectivity requirements of those IoT applications.
Ericsson announced the Verizon deal a day after revealing it is also working with AT&T on the rollout of Network Software 17A, sister publication FierceWireless:Tech reported. The infrastructure company plans to commercialise the software in the final quarter of 2016, FW:T said.
Networks Software 17A allows cellular networks to support several 'smart' initiatives including smart cities, metering and agriculture, Ericsson stated. The company added that the software is the industry's first complete cellular LPWA offering that will enable cellular operators to offer a diverse range of IoT services on their existing infrastructure.
"Verizon has been a great partner in the advancement of cellular technologies to address IoT networking requirements. IoT applications will drive 5G development so it is essential for us to work with leading operators like Verizon to proactively spearhead the industry and ecosystem," said Arun Bansal, SVP and head of Business Unit Radio at Ericsson.
Ericsson noted that utilising existing infrastructure enables operators like Verizon to cut the time it takes to bring new IoT services to market while ensuring the services benefit from the mobility, reliability, security and reach offered by LTE networks.
The companies plan to conduct live network testing of new IoT use case scenarios through 2016, continuing a testing partnership that began in 2014.
Adam Koeppe, VP of Network Technology and Planning at Verizon, said Ericsson's software will enable the operator "to expand our coverage of low-cost IoT devices while supporting years of battery life."
Verizon's U.S.-wide LTE network "provides an ideal platform for the acceleration of IoT applications that benefit consumers, industry and cities," Koeppe added.
For more:
- see this Ericsson announcement
- read this FierceWireless:Tech report
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