Dialog Axiata, Sri Lanka’s largest telecommunications services provider, and Ericsson have rolled out South Asia’s first commercial massive IoT network.
The network supports both Cat-M1 and NB-IoT technologies, and is deployed across Dialog Axiata’s Sri Lankan network. The partners say the advanced mobile network technology will help accelerate the proliferation of IoT devices. It will further develop the IoT ecosystem in the country by offering superior coverage, long battery life and cost-effective solutions to enterprises.
“With this launch, we are seeking to accelerate the adoption of innovative technologies by enterprises, and help them create exciting new products and services for consumers,” commented Pradeep De Almeida, Group Chief Technology Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC. “The Cat-M1/NB-IoT network will amplify opportunity for solutions such as smart metering for utilities, smart parking, smart bins, smart environmental sensors for smart cities, logistic solutions as well as other applications in agriculture and farming.”
Ericsson delivers Cat-M1 (LTE-M) and NB-IoT support as a software activation to Dialog Axiata’s existing LTE Radio Access Network. Ericsson's Massive IoT solutions for Cat-M1 and NB-IoT devices are claimed to have low cost, low power consumption, deep coverage, massive connections, and more secure and reliable transmission.
“A well-developed IoT ecosystem is fast becoming key for operators to enable new services and revenue streams,” summed up Vinod Samarawickrama, Country Manager, Sri Lanka & Maldives, Ericsson. “Our partnership with Dialog Axiata to roll out the first massive IoT network for both NB-IoT and Cat-M1 in the country, and notably South Asia, contributes towards this fast-developing IoT ecosystem.”