Vodafone Business UK adds LTE-M to IoT Portfolio

In August 2024, Vodafone Business UK expanded its IoT services portfolio, with the addition of LTE-M, complementing its existing 4G, 5G, and NB-IoT sensor connectivity offerings. 

This is great news for UK businesses selling or deploying GPS asset tracking solutions, benefiting from consistent coverage, extended battery life and improved hardware performance. As one of the first IoT hardware manufacturers to go to market with LTE-M/NB-IoT asset tracking devices, we have extensive experience designing and deploying devices on global cellular IoT networks. We look forward to supporting UK partners in enhancing their asset management solutions across a wide range of applications.  

Understanding LTE-M

Vodafone has added LTE-M to provide a more versatile range of connectivity options and to ensure businesses have “the right tools for the job”, says Nick Gliddon, Business Director, Vodafone UK. This strategic move highlights Vodafone’s dedication to equipping businesses with the most effective technologies for their specific IoT needs. 

LTE-M is a specialized type of wireless network technology that leverages low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) capabilities. It is specifically designed for IoT applications, allowing devices to operate reliably for up to 10 years on a single battery charge. This makes LTE-M an ideal solution for long-term, low-maintenance deployments, such as IoT sensor monitoring and asset tracking.

One of the key advantages of LTE-M is its optimization for low power consumption. This characteristic is particularly suitable for battery-powered devices that transmit small amounts of data intermittently and do not require a constant power supply. Additionally, LTE-M is better suited for mobile asset tracking, where assets are frequently moving, and a greater volume of tracking data is required. This makes it an ideal solution for applications that demand consistent connectivity and reliable data transmission. 

LPWAN Connectivity in the UK

LPWAN networks such as NB-IoT and LTE-M have been available in the UK for some time. Vodafone Business UK first launched Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) in 2018, in response to industry challenges presented by network technologies such as LoRaWAN and Sigfox. Network provider O2 was the first to deploy LTE-M in the UK in 2020, while network provider BT launched NB-IoT earlier this year.  

Both LPWAN networks have since enabled the connection of millions of IoT devices, with Vodafone Business UK’s introduction of LTE-M supporting extended coverage and greater choice for UK businesses. 

Comparing NB-IoT and LTE-M

NB-IoT and LTE-M are both low-power, wireless technologies developed for IoT devices that enable lower power consumption, deep penetration, smaller form factors, and reduced costs. These technologies do, however, differ, making it important to understand their individual features to determine which technology is appropriate for your use case.  Read our article on the differences between LTE-M and NB-IoT to learn more. 

Get Started with LTE-M Asset Tracking in the UK

The deployment of LPWAN technologies, including LTE-M and NB-IoT, has significantly advanced IoT capabilities, offering businesses in the UK greater choice of providers and the flexibility to select the technology that best suits their specific applications. 

Digital Matter’s tracking devices are designed to deliver exceptional coverage and low power consumption, optimized for LPWAN networks, ensuring a reliable and efficient asset management solution. 

Contact us to get started or explore our versatile range of LTE-M/NB-IoT asset tracking solutions.