CTIA Certification has announced the IoT Network Certified certification programme to establish that a device meets internationally recognised IoT standards and is ready to connect to cellular operator networks around the world.

The wireless marketplace is rapidly evolving, and cellular-enabled IoT devices and applications are becoming more widespread. The IoT Network Certified programme provides device manufacturers with a certification that meets wireless industry standards while providing an efficient, affordable and streamlined pathway for network operator acceptance.

“CTIA Certification is proud to be the leader in certification for the wireless industry,” said CTIA CTO Tom Sawanobori. “The new IoT Network Certified programme’s goal is to provide manufacturers and innovators with an efficient and affordable pathway for certifying an IoT device according to industry standards. This platform was created with user experience in mind and encourages the IoT community to take full advantage of a rapidly expanding portfolio of rigorously tested and certified wireless modules.”

Steve Hardin, director of AT&T’s device architecture realisation IoT team, added: “Our AT&T IoT device team helped develop the IoT Network Certified programme as an industry certification with numerous accredited labs globally to simplify our onboarding processes, allowing us to efficiently handle the growing number of new and innovative devices coming to market.”

The programme enables manufacturers whose designs incorporate a pre-certified wireless module to certify quickly and cost-effectively their IoT device using a process that takes advantage of the rigorous testing and certification already done on the module. The IoT Network Certified web site and certification portal also provide a simplified process for IoT device certification across the wireless ecosystem, and is built to be used by vendors of all sizes.

As 4G LTE narrow-band, LTE-M and 5G technology adoption rises, the wireless market continues to grow, with increasing consumer and business demand for connected devices. The IoT Network Certified programme aims to sets the gold standard, and certified devices should be in a better position to serve as the secure foundation for smart cities, connected cars and other IoT applications.

The CTIA Certification programme began more than 30 years ago and, through collaboration among subject matter experts in over a hundred member companies, has grown to encompass a variety of programmes, including the recently launched Wise certification programme for device repair technicians and service providers, and PTCRB certification, a device certification programme for 4G and 5G devices.