M1 launches Southeast Asia’s first commercial nationwide NB-IoT network

• NB-IoT delivers secure, reliable, power efficient ubiquitous connectivity
• Solutions, devices for utilities, transport, logistics sectors immediately available

M1 Limited (M1) announced on 7 Aug the launch of Southeast Asia’s (SEA) first commercial nationwide Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and the second such network worldwide. This network will catalyse smart solutions innovation and support Singapore’s transformation into a smart nation.

The Internet of Things (IoT), in enabling hyper-connectivity to millions of devices, sensors and services, is a key smart nation building block. With the launch of M1’s NB-IoT network, solution providers and businesses can now develop and deploy new IoT-enabled solutions.

M1 and its partners have available IoT solutions such as smart energy management for buildings, environmental monitoring, asset tracking and fleet management. The NB-IoT network will spur the development of many more solutions in the future.

“The launch of SEA’s first commercial nationwide NB-IoT network will accelerate our journey into a digital society. IoT will open up an incredible array of fresh opportunities and innovation. We look forward to working closely with government agencies, technology partners, and customers to enable smart solutions for everything and everyone,” said Karen Kooi (pic), Chief Executive Officer, M1.

“The IoT is a key technology area for growth which will drive Singapore’s Digital Economy for a smart nation. We are heartened that M1 has rolled out their narrowband IoT network on a nationwide basis and partnered enterprises to bring ready solutions to market and accelerate innovation to empower possibilities. We encourage companies to embrace the exciting benefits of NB-IoT as we move towards the digital future,” said Tan Kiat How, Chief Executive, Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore.

One early adopted is Keppel Electric. As part of a collaboration, Keppel Electric is piloting the NB-IoT Energy Management Meter, which is expected to enable it to deploy power and water meters to its customers’ premises faster and more cost-effectively. These meters will further enable commercial, industrial and residential customers to track their energy usage and be more efficient in their usage.

“With the full liberalisation of the electricity market expected in 2018, the launch of M1’s NB-IoT network is a timely development for us and our customers, who will get to enjoy easy access to useful real-time consumption data at a lower cost. We also see the potential of such implementations helping consumers to manage their electricity use more prudently,” said Janice Bong, General Manager, Keppel Electric.

With over 2 million customers since the launch of its commercial services in 1997, M1 has achieved many firsts, including the first operator to offer nationwide 4G service, as well as ultra high-speed fixed broadband, fixed voice and other services on the Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network.

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