Ericsson and Orange in Internet of Things trial with EC-GSM-IoT

• Ericsson, Orange and Intel have successfully conducted one of the world’s first extended coverage trial for Internet of Things (IoT) using EC-GSM-IoT (Extended Coverage-GSM-IoT)
• Trial demonstrates improved indoor coverage and shows that investments can be optimized  through new software deployment on top of existing cellular networks
• EC-GSM-IoT will be shown during MWC 2016 on the Ericsson booth as part of its smart agriculture and connected vineyards use case demo

EC-GSM-IoT (formerly EC-EGPRS) is a new technology that enables new capabilities of existing cellular networks for LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) IoT applications. EC-GSM-IoT can be activated through new software deployed over a very large GSM footprint, adding even more coverage to serve IoT devices.

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), Orange and Intel have completed one of the first live trials of EC-GSM-IoT technology for Internet of Things optimized for, low-cost, low-complexity devices and enhanced network capabilities for cellular IoT. This groundbreaking EC-GSM-IoT trial was conducted in Paris from November 2015 to February 2016, using the 900 MHz band. Coverage extension of 20 dB beyond GSM coverage was reached, showing a seven-fold improvement in the range of low-rate applications. It also showed the ability to reach challenging locations such as deep indoor basements, where many smart meters are installed, or remote areas in which sensors are deployed for agriculture or infrastructure monitoring use cases. The live trial demonstrated excellent performances and proved the full coexistence of such devices with legacy mobile devices.

Alain Maloberti, SVP of Orange Labs Networks, says: “The results of this trial represent a significant step forward for the industry. It demonstrates the viability and cost effectiveness of the technology, and paves the way for us to help the IoT ecosystem develop.”

Arun Bansal, Head of Business Unit Radio, Ericsson says: “Our cellular LPWA solution allows operators to optimize their existing infrastructure with new software deployment. We are pleased with the results reached during the trial. EC-GSM-IoT is a promising technology offering new opportunities for massive IoT based on 3GPP standard evolutions.”

Asha Keddy, Vice President and General Manager of Intel’s Next Generation and Standards Group Intel, says: “Improved indoor coverage is key when it comes to IoT, so we are very pleased with the results achieved during the trial. We are in a position to help our customers meet their IoT solution requirements.”

Cellular networks optimized for IoT will be operational in 2017.

EC-GSM-IoT will be demonstrated during MWC in Ericsson’s hall with the connected vineyards use case, combining air humidity and temperature low complexity sensors with long battery life.