Views: 12 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2024-11-29 Origin: Site
AT&T has officially announced plans to phase out its NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) network in the U.S., marking a significant shift in its IoT (Internet of Things) strategy. The process, already underway, involves discontinuing NB-IoT data packages and certifications for devices. The telecom giant aims to complete this transition by the first quarter of 2025, with existing customers being migrated to alternative technologies like LTE-M.
Why is AT&T moving away from NB-IoT?
This decision aligns with AT&T's goal of enhancing IoT services for enterprise customers. A spokesperson from the company stated:
“We are improving our IoT services by transitioning from NB-IoT to LTE-M, which provides greater data capacity for both stationary and mobile devices. To facilitate this, we’ve stopped certifying new NB-IoT devices and selling related data packages. We’re working closely with our customers to make the transition seamless.”
Launched in 2019, AT&T's NB-IoT network was designed as a complement to its LTE-M IoT services introduced in 2017. However, NB-IoT's limitations in data capacity, coupled with the rapid evolution of more efficient technologies like LTE-M and 5G RedCap, have led to its diminished appeal.
Global Context: A Broader Trend
AT&T is not the first telecom operator to abandon NB-IoT. Japan's NTT Docomo shut down its NB-IoT network in 2020, while European carrier Orange has publicly favored alternatives. Mobile Experts analyst Joe Madden explained the challenges:
"NB-IoT wasn’t designed to share network resources effectively with other types of traffic, making it less efficient for operators. While its bandwidth requirements are relatively small—around 180kHz—it demands dedicated spectrum, which isn’t an efficient use of resources for mobile carriers."
Despite these challenges, some carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon continue to support NB-IoT, with no immediate plans to phase out their networks.
The Future: 5G RedCap as the Successor?
5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) is emerging as the next-generation solution for IoT, offering lower complexity and cost compared to full-scale 5G, while maintaining high efficiency. AT&T has been actively testing 5G RedCap since 2023, making it the first U.S. operator to achieve live RedCap data connections. Verizon and T-Mobile have also shown interest, with several global carriers exploring commercial deployments.
According to GSMA Intelligence, as of November 2024, 31 operators across 22 markets have announced plans to deploy or are already testing 5G RedCap technology. While it may not entirely replace NB-IoT, RedCap provides a versatile alternative that better aligns with evolving IoT requirements.
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