19 Feb 2016

Ericsson, Orange and Intel successfully complete EC-GSM-IoT trial

Ericsson, Orange and Intel have completed one of the first live trials of EC-GSM-IoT technology, which enables new capabilities of existing cellular networks for LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) IoT applications. EC-GSM-IoT (formerly EC-EGPRS) can be activated through new software deployed over a very large GSM footprint, adding further coverage to serve IoT devices.

The EC-GSM-IoT trial took place in Paris, between November 2015 and February 2016 and used the 900 MHz band. It achieved a coverage extension of 20 dB beyond GSM – a seven-fold improvement in the range of low-data 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.

According to a statement from Ericsson, “The live trial demonstrated excellent performances and proved the full coexistence of such devices with legacy mobile devices.”

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

"Our cellular LPWA solution allows operators to optimize their existing infrastructure with new software deployment,” said Arun Bansal, head of Business Unit Radio, Ericsson. “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."