M1 has made public its partnership with Nokia Corp (NYSE:NOK) that will result in significant time technological projects. The new collaboration will enhance the conducting of the first live demonstration of narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) alongside the 5G network. The two will also be installing an NB-IoT network across Singapore, a project that is anticipated to be ready in 2017.
In what perhaps seems like a rush to satisfy the demand for technology, the duo had earlier indicated its intention of launching a heterogeneous network. This would employ the use of Nokia’s Flexi Zone Wi-Fi equipment bringing on board a possibility of being able to switch to different types of wireless networks.
Connection of more devices through narrowband networks
The trial of the NB-IoT network, which called for the use of a room temperature and humidity sensor remote application, was successful. Both M1 and Nokia are seeking to obtain a greater depth and distance, which will facilitate the penetration of three double-brick walls in depth and coverage of a considerable distance. Unlike the typical use of 2G and 3G networks, the narrowband networks will allow the connection of more devices to the 4G network and at a lower cost. The NB-IoT and HetNet networks will cost more than SG$50 million in investment.
Market competition calls for other collaborations
Being in business is one thing while retaining the businesses’ market share is another entity altogether. The competition in technology has necessitated other partnerships the likes of Singtel and Ericsson. They are both on a trial of the NB-IoT technology across the network. Another is that of Vodafone Australia and Chinese technology giant Huawei, who already carried out a trial on NB-IoT across Melbourne in April.
After launching its NB-IoT solution in July Huawei’s vice president of Marketing and Solutions in Huawei’s Products, Jiang Wangcheng said, “The number of cellular IoT connections worldwide will grow seven-fold over the next three to four years.”
Meanwhile, the general outlook of the industry seems to be that of collaborations between tech firms, particularly on cellular NB-IoT. One of the many reasons for this is the cost effectiveness and the need for internal security.
Nokia opened the market at $4.56 per share.
