Low Power Wide Area Networks
Find the right connectivity to support and power your application with Vodafone Business
LPWA Connectivity
More and more IoT applications need comparatively lower amounts of data to be transmitted.
This means devices can use simpler electronics, like those we see in Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology, and run on batteries.
By 2030, LPWA is predicted to overtake standard data network connections like 4G and 5G.
What is LPWA Connectivity?
LPWA is specifically designed for connecting devices that use applications requiring low bandwidth. It extends battery life while providing wider and deeper network coverage and availability.
The potential for LPWA technology is huge. Many devices can last up to ten years or more without a battery charge thanks to features like Power Saving Mode (PSM) and Extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX). They can also connect as far as 10km, with cell sites supporting 10,000 devices.
Learn more about LPWA’s features and benefits by downloading our guide.
We offer two types of LPWA connectivity to connect your devices:
Narrowband-IoT | LTE-M |
|---|---|
Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT) is a next-generation IoT technology providing long range communication. It allows up to ten years of battery life and helps you connect a wide range of assets.
| Long Term Evolution – Machine LTE-M is a replacement technology for 2G and 3G services. You may also hear this referred to as Cat-M, or LTE for Machine Type Communications.
|
The benefits
Benefits of using LPWA technology include:
Strong coverage over large areas
Get coverage even when you’re underground or deep within buildings.
Greater power efficiency
Run your IoT devices on batteries without a charge for up to ten years or longer, depending on the connectivity type.
Lower cost hardware
LPWA promotes simpler device designs which can mean lower component costs.
Mobile and stationary connectivity
You’re connected whether your device is static or on the move.
Massive scale
Potentially connect millions of devices in a single deployment.
Low bandwidth
Transmit just a few bytes of data per device every day.
Key applications using LPWA technology
As the diagram explains, the amount of data your IoT device needs to send can vary, as well as when it needs to communicate, depending on the application you use.
A smart meter for example would need to send usage information to an energy provider to calculate accurate bills either once a day or once a week. Vehicles however may need to communicate multiple times a second, and share information in real-time to keep drivers safe.
Latency and network speed can therefore vary depending on what the IoT device needs to do. Our IoT experts work with you to find a solution which works best for what you need.
Customer stories
José Moro makes splash with IoT
Discover how using the Internet of Things helps a Spanish winery improve the quantity and quality of their harvest by more closely monitoring the grapes.
Helping It's My Bike monitor E-Bikes 24/7 with LPWA
Learn how we helped It’s My Bike provide riders with a seamless digital experience, and helped them track their bikes through a global, platform-based solution.
New IoT smart water meters could cut water consumption by 15%
Learn how a new global partnership between SUEZ and Vodafone allows the UK to be the first market to experience roll-out of remote water meter reading.
Why Vodafone Business
Secure and intelligent IoT networks
To give you the best IoT service, we combine our connectivity with the ability to roam securely on partner networks so you stay connected.
Simple to deploy and manage
We make it easy for you to deploy, integrate and manage your operations. Use IoT to improve your manufacturing, customer experience, vehicle fleet and more.
Global expertise and industry experience
Pioneers of IoT connectivity for over 30 years, IoT industry analysts across IoT connectivity, IoT roaming and industrial IoT services have named us market leaders.