LAS VEGAS — The “Internet of Things” is a hot topic at this year’s CES 2016 event. Ericsson is one company making a huge push to help its customers monetize IoT, announcing a number of initiatives and partnership over the last few days. The latest is with Verizon Communications, which is teaming up with the Swedish wireless equipment maker to develop and deploy low-power wide-area networks for IoT applications.
Verizon plans to leverage new software developed by Ericsson to optimize and diversify its existing LTE networks to keep up with the growing quantity of connected devices. Ericsson’s LPWA solution is set to help Verizon scale its LTE network to expand IoT use cases.
”Verizon’s nationwide LTE network provides an ideal platform for the acceleration of IoT applications that benefit consumers, industry and cities. We’re committed to simplifying IoT and have introduced a developer platform – ThingSpace – and new network advancements that do just that,” explained Adam Koeppe, VP for network technology and planning at Verizon. “Ericsson’s new software will enable us to expand our coverage of low-cost IoT devices while supporting years of battery life.”
The two companies have been working together since 2014 on IoT trials to grow the use case of IoT in both consumer and industrial applications.
“Verizon has been a great partner in the advancement of cellular technologies to address IoT networking requirements,” said Arun Bansal, SVP and head of business unit radio at Ericsson. “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.”
During CES, Ericsson launched its Network Software 17A, which is designed to address massive IoT deployments. Ericsson says the software could be used in connected cities, smart metering and agriculture. Verizon believes the partnership will allow it to bring IoT products to market much faster with greater mobility, reliability, security and reach. The two companies will continue their joint trials into 2016, focusing on live network testing.
Watch Bryan Coley of Verizon demonstrate the company’s Network Software 17A for massive IoT below.
