New whitepaper reveals why LTE 450 is being used for IoT and critical applications

SHANGHAI, CHINA 18 AUGUST 2021: Quectel Wireless Solutions has published a new whitepaper that details developments in the utilization of the 450MHz band for IoT and critical applications globally. The 450MHz band has been a long-term option for applications that demand large area coverage. As a low frequency originally designated to 2G networks, it has had a long heritage of performing worthy tasks, such as providing the connectivity for emergency calling networks and connecting the earlier generations of smart meters.

As the 2G sunset continues across the globe, the 450MHz band is entering a second life as a network for IoT and critical applications. The reason for this, explains the Quectel whitepaper, are the physics of the 450MHz band which are ideal for the wide area coverage that IoT demands. In addition, the band can support CAT-M and narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) technology, making it ideal for markets in which spectrum availability is constrained.

The appeal of the technology is global and recent research, from SNS Telecom & IT, has uncovered that 17.3% of public safety LTE and 5G engagement were in the sub-500MHz in the second quarter of 2020. This base is significant because it helps justify development of further devices that will utilize LTE 450 and demonstrates a direction of travel for the band’s future.

Although still in transition from 2G to LTE, 450MHz networks are soon to connect millions more devices. The technology is well-suited for critical infrastructure because of these attributes and it is anticipated that the main uses of LTE 450 will be to connect routers and gateways to enable projects such as smart meter and smart city deployments.

“LTE 450 is not the ideal network technology for every IoT application but for those that need its specific performance characteristics it’s an attractive proposition because it’s already here, devices exist and it has the signal strength to connect hard to reach places that critical communications rely on,” said Dominikus Hierl, SVP Sales EMEA, Quectel Wireless Solutions. “The device ecosystem around LTE 450 is growing rapidly with increasing numbers of devices, modules and antennas becoming available. Quectel has been developing IoT modules for more than a decade and these include our BG95-M4multi-mode LPWA module which supports LTE Cat M1/Cat NB1/Cat NB2 and integrated GNSS.”

Quectel also produces its EC200S-EN CAT 1 LTE module which is designed for routers, gateways and concentrators that need to offer sustainable data throughput. The Quectel LTE 450 offering is completed by its range of antennas, including the YE00339AA/BA, which help optimize connection efficiency and aid ease of installation of devices. 

To learn more about LTE 450 and how it can power your IoT applications, read the Quectel whitepaper: Why LTE 450 is the enabler of critical, long-range communications here.