The Asian telco said the NB-IoT network will support a range of internet of things projects
Singapore telecom operator M1 has launched what it claims to be Southeast Asia’s first commercial, nationwide NB-IoT network. This network will enable solution providers and businesses to launch smart solutions to further the country’s smart nation initiative, the telco said. Some of the advantages of NB-IoT technology include low-bandwidth, robust indoor penetration and efficient power usage.
M1 and its partners currently offer IoT solutions such as smart energy management for buildings, environmental monitoring, asset tracking and fleet management. M1 said that the NB-IoT network will spur the development of many more solutions in the future.
“The launch of Southeast Asia’s first commercial nationwide NB-IoT network will accelerate our journey into a digital society. The internet of things will open up an incredible array of fresh opportunities and innovation. We look forward to working closely with government agencies, technology partners, and customers to enable smart solutions for everything and everyone,” said Karen Kooi, CEO at M1.
“The internet of things is a key technology area for growth which will drive Singapore’s Digital Economy for a Smart Nation. We are heartened that M1 has rolled out their narrowband IoT network on a nationwide basis and partnered enterprises to bring ready solutions to market and accelerate innovation to empower possibilities. We encourage companies to embrace the exciting benefits of NB-IoT as we move towards the digital future,” said Tan Kiat How, chief executive, Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore.
As part of a collaboration, Keppel Electric is piloting the NB-IoT energy management meter, which is expected to enable it to deploy power and water meters to its customers’ premises faster and more cost-effectively. These meter will enable commercial, industrial and residential customers to track their energy usage.
“With the full liberalization of the electricity market expected in 2018, the launch of M1’s NB-IoT network is a timely development for us and our customers, who will get to enjoy easy access to useful real-time consumption data at a lower cost,” said Janice Bong, general manager, Keppel Electric.
M1 launched commercial operations in 1997 and currently provides mobile and fixed services to more than 2 million customers.
Earlier this week, rival operator Singtel confirmed that it will roll out its nationwide cellular IoT network by end-September. Singtel said that it will be inviting businesses and technology partners to test and develop IoT solutions at the IoT Innovation Lab.
