The China Mobile Research Institute (CMRI) worked with Ericsson and Qualcomm to complete China's first data call over the enhanced machine type communications (eMTC) cellular IoT standard.
The companies recently jointly completed an end-to-end data call using the eMTC (also known as CAT-M1 or LTE-M) standard.
Using a Qualcomm modem and an Ericsson radio access network, the call focused on the evaluation of the LPWA networking standard for potential use in China. The 3GPP standardized eMTC in its Release 13 last year.
“We are very pleased with China Mobile's successful end-to-end data call utilizing cellular IoT eMTC/Cat-M1 technology based on our MDM9206 modem,” Qualcomm vice president for product management Vieri Vanghi said.
“This is an important milestone that supports the delivery of a new range of IoT services, including smart energy, asset tracking, industrial control and automation, and building security. We look forward to further working with China Mobile and Ericsson to bring these types of services to users in China."
Qualcomm's LTE-M modem is designed to support LTE Category M1, upgradeable to LTE M1+ NB-1 dual mode with a future software update.
The first eMTC field trial was conducted by KT and Nokia in January 2016.