South Asia’s first NB-IoT service launched on Dialog’s 4G LTE network

Monday, 16 October 2017 01:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dialog Axiata Plc has unveiled yet another cutting-edge technology solution with its foray into Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT).

Dialog is the first to launch the technology in South Asia. NB-IoT is a narrowband radio technology specially designed to enable seamless connectivity amongst devices using Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology. The pioneering NB-IoT service has been enabled on Dialog’s 4G-LTE Network.

Dialog’s Internet of Things (IoT) Service Portfolio ‘Smartlife’ revolutionised the IoT technology-scape in Sri Lanka earlier this year through the introduction of a suite of innovative digital lifestyle applications supporting IoT solutions such as Connected Home and Car Connect. With the introduction of NB-IoT – the LTE-based network support layer to facilitate uninterrupted connectivity for multiple Smartlife services, Dialog continues to lead in innovation across the IoT space.

Through a simple smartphone app and website, Smartlife consumers can create sequences of conditional statements called ‘scenes’ to automate their IoT devices, creating a smart home environment.

Sharing his insights on the technology, Dialog Axiata Plc Group Chief Technology Officer Pradeep De Almeida said: “Launching NB-IoT is testament to Dialog being the first in South Asia to propel its service portfolio in parallel with the most advanced operators in the world. NB-IoT is optimised for applications and ensures all IoT devices stemming from a home to a remote environment can be connected. This enables better usage of the IoT related services Dialog has introduced, and hopes to explore in future through Dialog Smartlife.”

Further expanding on the impact of NB-IoT, he said: “IoT continues to play a crucial role in making progressive and transformational change. Users are increasingly aligning to IoT-enabled devices with services ranging in the areas of health, home security and home automation. The network will amplify the opportunity for solutions such as smart metering for utilities, smart parking systems, smart garbage collection, logistic solutions as well as other applications in agriculture and farming. NB-IoT provides a great springboard for Sri Lanka to further leverage IoT technology in introducing revolutionary services that will enrich Sri Lankan lives.”

The introduction of the NB-IoT to market will increase the adoption of emerging IoT technology and other related devices. Operating in a licensed and regulated spectrum, NB-IoT is less susceptible to interference and enables secure and reliable communication. It was introduced as an enhancement to the 4G LTE network standard in June 2016, and has several key enhancements for connecting billions of devices to the internet using existing LTE infrastructure.

The key features of the technology include longer battery life for devices, unified coverage, secure connectivity, high reliability and easy deployment into existing cellular network architecture.