Berlin-based IoT cloud communication platform provider Emnify has announced global roaming of LTE-M, a 3GPP standard for LPWAN built on 4G networks and forward compatible with 5G.

With this launch, EMnify is adding LTE-M support to its 2G, 3G and 4G network access, providing a future-proof connectivity option for cellular IoT in answer to worldwide GSM and UMTS phase-out.

LTE-M introduces advantages for global IoT deployments, including: long battery life with PSM power save mode and eDRX extended discontinuous reception features; extended range for improved indoor and underground connections; and modules that are 30% of 4G module price.

Compared with NB-IoT – the other cellular LPWAN variance – LTE-M offers wider national and international roaming availability. The technology also comes with mobility support and higher data rates to enable a wider range of connected use cases such as asset tracking and fleet management.

Faster data speed reduces power consumption in medium-bandwidth transmission such as over-the-air firmware updates, as devices stay online for a much shorter time.

“We recognise LTE-M is the go-to connectivity for a variety of IoT applications because it allows for innovative features not available with previous cellular generations while solving the challenge of 2G and 3G sunsetting in regions like North America,” said Alexander Schebler, vice president at Emnify. “To deliver these benefits to customers, we are proactively working with our network partners to enable LTE-M roaming as soon as it is technically available in their networks.”

Emnify is offering LTE-M access in 45 countries with varying support levels depending on the customer’s deployment location, including:

• Expected coverage where LTE-M access is technically available by default based on standard 4G implementation of Emnify’s network partners.
• Validated coverage where LTE-M availability is frequently tested and confirmed by Emnify’s internal tests.
• Guaranteed coverage where LTE-M service is guaranteed via official roaming agreements with Emnify’s network partners.

Emnify empowers IoT businesses with a single SIM card for global cellular and LPWAN connectivity in 180 countries, along with a pay-as-you-go subscription model that can start at small data volumes under 1Mbyte. In addition to the LTE-M launch, the company is also working on NB-IoT and 5G roaming with first agreements already signed, to ensure customers have the best access to the latest radio technologies.

Emnify is a cloud communication platform provider for IoT that enables businesses with high growth IoT products to scale across networks worldwide with a single API. Its international experts support thousands of companies in more than 70 countries. Founded in 2014 by telecommunications experts Frank Stöcker, Martin Giess and Alexander Schebler, Emnify enables secure IoT connectivity globally.