Nokia said a trial of narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) on Finnish operator Sonera’s network has proven the potential of the technology to connect billions of devices.
The vendor announced that the trial, conducted in the 800 MHz frequency band, was the first of its kind in Finland and also featured a world first connection of a roaming device over a commercial network using NB-IoT. Nokia and Sonera conducted the test to accelerate the creation of an IoT ecosystem, the company stated.
“This trial will lay the foundation for an IoT ecosystem in Finland and allow Sonera to exploit the massive opportunities that it brings,” Adolfo Masini, head of IoT connectivity at Nokia, said.
Nokia explained that using the 800 MHz frequency band enabled it to maximise coverage during the trial, and also to connect devices in hard-to-reach areas. Data rates of up to 200 kbps were achieved, which the vendor said highlights the suitability of NB-IoT for devices that require short bursts of network connectivity to transmit small amounts of data. Such capabilities will fuel the growth of the programmable world, Nokia stated.
RELATED: Deutsche Telekom pips Vodafone to post with NB-IoT launch
“Support for the programmable world, in which billions of people, devices and things are connected via high-capacity networks, is the cornerstone of Nokia’s strategy,” Masini said.
The trial saw information on temperature, humidity and air pressure sent on Sonera’s existing 4G network in Helsinki, Finland’s capital city. Nokia and Sonera also connected a roaming device to the network, which the vendor said shows how NB-IoT can enable companies to track assets including vehicles. The roaming capabilities can also enable remote healthcare applications, it said.
Sonera’s CTO Jari Collin said the test continues a Finnish tradition “of developing and applying new technologies.” The trial also “shows how the use of today’s mobile technology will fuel the continued growth of the IoT ecosystem to transform every aspect of our customers’ business and personal lives,” he added.