Ubiik launches its LTE-M base station freeRAN for US 915MHz license-exempt band
Ubiik, an AMI and end-to-end LTE solution provider, has announced the launch of freeRAN, a LTE-M base station. With a base station operating in the US 915MHz license-exempt band (also known as ISM band 902-928MHz), this new product release will empower businesses to achieve levels of connectivity without the existing cost barrier of securing spectrum.
By leveraging the unlicensed band, utilities can now achieve mass connectivity without the need for substantial financial investments in spectrum acquisition. Incorporating a full software 3GPP release 15 radio access network (RAN) optimised for standalone 4G LTE-M within a 3MHz bandwidth, freeRAN represents a leap forward in communication infrastructure.
The freeRAN base station also supports advanced Release 14 and 15 features (e.g., non-IP data delivery, eDRX/PSM, early data transfer) and is therefore optimised for deployments of private LTE networks.
Offering the ability to connect existing FCC certified end devices supporting 3GPP Band 8, freeRAN paves the way for advanced connectivity for utilities, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, smart cities and more. The downlink operates in 925-928MHz while end devices have the full 902-915MHz range for operation, in accordance with 3GPP Band 8.
“The introduction of freeRAN demonstrates Ubiik’s unparalleled dedication to bring innovations which benefit our customers,” says Fabien Petitgrand, CTO of Ubiik. “Operating LTE-M in license-exempt bands offers a perfect complement to our private, licensed band solutions, allowing customers to best serve their communications needs depending on quality-of-service, criticality, and cost considerations.”
Key features and benefits of freeRAN include:
- Secure network: By leveraging 3GPP based LTE-M technology, freeRAN delivers security for critical infrastructure connectivity compared to other proprietary communication technologies.
- Cost-effective: By leveraging the unlicensed band, freeRAN offers a cost-effective alternative by eliminating the spectrum license fees and reducing the burden of operating expenses.
- Wide coverage: Operating on the US 915MHz unlicensed band, freeRAN provides extensive coverage, enabling connectivity even in remote or challenging environments. The spectral efficiency and power control features of 3GPP technologies ensure LTE-M makes the use of the spectrum by optimising throughput and mitigating interference in the band.
- Scalable and flexible: With its full-software architecture, freeRAN is highly scalable and adaptable, accommodating the evolving needs of customers across a range of industries. The evolved packet core (EPC) can be internal for a single base station deployment, or external to connect multiple freeRAN’s as the network grows. LTE Cat-1 backhaul in addition to Ethernet allows for the most diverse deployment scenarios.
- Power efficient: Optimised by design for 3MHz, freeRAN consumes a fraction of the power of a traditional base station, allowing the use of power-over-Ethernet to promote ease of installation and even enable 100% solar-powered sites.
“Ubiik is thrilled to introduce freeRAN, a leading-edge LTE-M base station that will redefine IoT connectivity for utilities and industries,” says Tienhaw Peng, founder and CEO of Ubiik. “With freeRAN, we aim to empower utilities and businesses to unlock the full potential of private LTE, enabling enhanced operational efficiencies and innovation, and, ultimately, the ability to deliver superior services to their customers.”
To schedule an interview, request more information, or obtain a media kit, please contact marketing@ubiik.com.
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