It’s predicted that by 2020 there will be 41.6 billion connected Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the world. As the world’s network of IoT devices grows, it’s become clear that not everyone needs a smart fridge, connected security systems or biometric scanners. What about the smaller devices of the IoT world?
There’s a growing group of devices that have connectivity needs that are lesser than your average IoT network provides.
Many of these devices are too far-flung, too inaccessible or too numerous to be connected like a regular IoT device. That’s where Narrowband IoT comes in – it’s designed to support devices with very low bandwidth (below 200kHz), making it perfect for those underground sensors, safety wearables on remote workers, smart meters and more.
Australia and New Zealand are made for NB IoT – with digitally-savvy citizens, thriving cities followed by stretches of land that can go for days without seeing a person and plenty of manufacturing and hauling going on, it’s no surprise that the most common NB IoT devices are:
- Alarm systems
- Parking sensors
- Street lighting
- Environmental monitoring
- Fleet tracking and management
- Smart metering
Telstra reported 3.48 million IoT services in operation in the six months to December 2019, partially because they expanded their NB IoT network from 3.5million to nearly 4 million square kilometres.
NB IoT is taking off in Australia. And it’s no wonder, we’re a nation of 7.6 million km²! With so much land to cover, being able to support simple devices with a low-power solution just makes sense – devices like soil monitors, weather stations, sensors or and smart meters can stay connected and bring with them a whole new set of data points.
2020 has been a challenge, but it hasn’t stopped us from being at the forefront of NB IoT.
Keen to look into whether NB IoT is right for your business? Get in touch!
