First successful application of LTE CAT-M/NB-IoT solution on 450 MHz claimed by Altair Semiconductor
Igor Tovberg of Altair Semiconductor
Altair Semiconductor, a provider of cellular IoT chipsets, reports that its ALT1250 dual mode CAT-M/NB-IoT chipset can now operate on the 450 MHz spectrum.
In an industry first, the ALT1250 chipset is powering the Asiatelco LM66 IoT module, which provides LTE connectivity for a range of connected devices, and has been developed to provide agricultural solutions for large-scale farming in Brazil.
Operating on the 450 MHz LTE spectrum and utilising Ericsson’s LTE eNBs, Altair’s cellular IoT chipset enables agricultural companies using smart sensors and connected tractors applications to optimise farming practices. The solution uses location tracking, driver behaviour monitoring, and fuel consumption optimisation.
“Altair is looking to revolutionise cellular IoT connectivity across Brazil. The solution was field tested and demonstrated the potential of 450 MHz’s frequency reach in agriculture use cases. It will certainly enable an exciting range of transformative applications in rural areas”, said Paulo Bernardocki, head of Solutions Radio, Ericsson LATAM South.
Altair’s dual-mode cellular IoT chipset, ALT1250, is the only available CAT-M and NB-IoT solution trialed to run on 450 MHz. ALT1250 is the most highly integrated dual-mode CAT-M/NB-IoT chipset, with the most extended battery life in the market. The chipset supports Global LTE bands within a single hardware design and supports both satellite and cellular positioning tracking. The Altair-powered LM66 modules are capable of connecting and delivering data over the LTE450 network as well.
“There’s a global trend resulting in a significant amount of 450 MHz spectrum being re-allocated for new use cases on LTE450 networks, as legacy 2G and 3G networks are being retired,” said Igor Tovberg, Altair’s director of Product Marketing. “450 MHz is ideal for agricultural IoT applications, providing superior network coverage essential for the wide and often remote farming locations that exist in Brazil.”
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