Telus’s LTE-M networks already provides coverage across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada
Canadian operator Telus has launched its LTE-M low-power wide-area (LPWA) network to strengthen its internet of things strategy in the country.
Telus said that its new LTE-M network currently provides coverage across British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, plus major centres in Manitoba.
Telus added that its LTE-M network is built on licensed cellular standards-based technology and designed to be fully compatible with 5G technologies. The network will support low-power wide-area IoT applications such as smart cities, logistics and agriculture “well into the 5G future,” the carrier said.
“Telus is committed to empowering the IoT ecosystem in Canada, from providing connectivity with a world-class LTE-M network to supporting the companies and developers that will create the innovative IoT solutions of the future,” said Michael Cihra, Telus VP of IoT. “Telus’ network provides the most comprehensive LTE-M coverage in Canada, allowing for endless possibilities for IoT applications. We can’t wait to see how our customers and developer partners leverage that power to improve Canadians’ lives with IoT technologies.”
Telus also announced the launch of several tools to help developers to create new offerings in the IoT ecosystem. These tools include:
– Telus LTE-M Starter Kit: a kit to enable developers and tech companies to rapidly prototype cellular connected IoT devices utilizing Telus’s LTE-M network.
– Telus LTE-M Asset Monitor: a certified device that can plug into existing applications on day one to collect data such as location, motion, and temperature.
– Certified LTE-M modules: a selection of low-cost LTE-M modules that are approved for use with the TELUS network to accelerate deployment.
The carrier also announced the launch of the Telus Technology Incubator with the aim of promoting the growth of the IoT industry in Canada.
The incubator’s first stream will focus on IoT startups and is operated in partnership with Calgary Technologies. Through the Incubator, Telus will provide direct support to IoT startups, supplying access to both tools and industry experts.
Telus currently has 13.1 million customers in Canada, including 9 million wireless subscribers, 1.8 million high-speed Internet subscribers, 1.3 million residential network access lines and 1.1 million Telus TV customers.
In the 5G field, the carrier is currently working with Chinese vendor Huawei. In February of this year, Huawei and Telus launched a 5G wireless-to-the-home (WttH) trial service using specially-designed 5G customer premise equipment (CPE) unit. The trial took place in downtown Vancouver’s “5G Living Lab,” a joint initiative between Huawei and Telus.
The 5G trial, which began in early December, is also being conducted in the homes of Vancouver-based TELUS employees and is based on millimeter wave tests that the two companies conducted in June 2017 in Vancouver. The vendor said the trial has achieved single-user download speeds of over 2 Gbps.
