The entity also said that 140 operators are currently investing in NB-IoT networks globally
A total of 102 operators in 52 countries have already deployed either narrowband internet of things or LTE-M technology, according to a recent study by the Global Mobile Suppliers Association.
Of these, 20 operators in 19 countries have deployed or launched both NB-IoT and LTE-M, the GSA said.
NB-IoT and LTE-M are low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) radio technology standards developed by 3GPP with a focus on enabling IoT and machine-to-machine applications.
As of the end of March 2019, GSA had identified 149 operators in 69 countries are that investing in one or both of the NB-IoT and LTE-M network technologies — that includes the 102 which have already launched networks.
According to the report, there are 22 countries which have both NB-IoT and LTE-M networks deployed, while 28 countries have NB-IoT networks only, and two countries have only LTE-M.
GSA also revealed that 140 operators in 69 countries are investing in NB-IoT networks; of that number, 88 operators in 50 countries had deployed their networks.
In the LTE-M segment, 60 operators in 35 countries are investing in this technology, and 34 of those operators in 24 countries have launched their networks.
“The global momentum behind LPWAN deployments is testament to the revenue opportunities which operators are racing to win and monetise in a diverse range of new IoT applications. Significantly, it can also be seen as a precursor to operators replacing legacy M2M services such as GPRS-based trackers and preparing the ground for the eventual switch-off of their 2G networks,” said Joe Barrett, president of the GSA.
