SK Telecom, Nokia Networks demonstrate LTE technology for IoT in Korea

NEW DELHI: South Korean wireless telecommunications operator, SK Telecom and Nokia Networks have claimed to have demonstrated the first LTE low power communication technology for the internet of things (IoT) in Korea.

An over-the-air trial was conducted in a test bed at SK Telecom's network technology R&D centre, using Nokia's Flexi Multiradio 10 base station and IoT devices provided by GCT Semiconductor.

In essence, low power IoT technology streamlines device operation to essential capabilities, and switches to power saving mode when there is no data transmission needed, thus enabling significant reduction in power consumption.

The technology will allow manufacturers to reduce modem complexities and cut costs, with a product that boasts an extended battery life. With power saving mode activated, location-tracking devices, or data-collection devices that monitor water or gas usage, are able to run for more than a decade without a power supply or battery replacement.

"In collaboration with Nokia Networks, we will continue to push the boundaries for IoT and pave the path for broader application of services powered by this next-generation technology,” said Jin-hyo Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Network Technology R&D center, SK Telecom.

"Moreover, it underlines our focus on setting the platform for the global adoption of LTE as a technology-of-choice for IoT, evolving to NB-LTE for IoT in the future, as we head towards a world where everyone and everything is connected.This marks yet another step forward on Nokia's goal of bringing NB-LTE to life,” said Andrew Cope, Head of Korea, Nokia Networks.