Verizon announced introduction of voice capabilities to its nationwide Cat M network for IoT solutions.
First introduced in March, 2017, Verizon's Cat M network provides scale, coverage and security for customers seeking wireless access solutions for IoT products. The enhanced Cat M network is now capable of providing voice access and will serve applications using fixed IoT voice services, such as alarm panels with communications components.
Mobile voice service is enabled through a feature called Connected Mode Mobility (CMM), currently being deployed with expected completion within the next month. CMM improves data transfers and handoffs, allowing for seamless transitions when using mobile voice or latency sensitive data. With the completed deployment of CMM, Verizon's Cat M network will support IoT solutions requiring less power, extended battery life, and either fixed or mobile voice connectivity.
IoT solution requirements vary in data rate, battery life and scalability requirements. For small IoT solutions with data rates below 100kbps, NB IoT Guardband technology is appropriate. For medium data needs Verizon has a nationwide Cat M network now with voice capabilities. For larger IoT solutions, Verizon's nationwide Cat 1 network is the right fit. And for IoT solutions with extra-large data needs Verizon has the LTE network.
Bill Stone, VP of Network Planning, Verizon
We are committed to collaborating with companies like Ericsson and Nokia to continue to develop the IoT ecosystem and ensure customers are able to get the network access and support that best suits their needs.
