BT has launched its new multi-million-pound NB-IoT network, which is set to pave the way for more UK smart cities and industries – with the network covering 97% of the UK population and is now available to business customers. The rollout builds upon BT’s ongoing IoT investments to keep businesses connected to their smart devices. It is underpinned by the EE mobile network.
BT’s new NB-IoT network will enable low-data-demand assets, such as street lighting or underground water sensors, to be connected over a smart network. This will not only deliver long battery life, but it can also enhance efficiency and reduce costs (by automatically detecting leaks in water infrastructure, for example).
“Growing numbers of businesses are beginning to realise the benefits of IoT applications, and our UK-wide NB-IoT network opens up a wide range of connectivity solutions for monitors, sensors, and other smart devices,” Chris Keone, a managing director of Division X at BT, said in a company media statement. “Whether it’s building the smart cities of the future or reducing carbon emissions, our network will provide customers with the reliability and efficiency they need.”
NB-IoT is a low-power network with the potential to transform industries such as utilities, construction, and the public sector – by securely and reliably connecting the devices to automate many processes that currently require manual oversight or direct involvement.
The rollout of the network will allow BT to help fast-track ‘smart cities’ of the future through use cases that include monitoring and optimising energy use, storage, and distribution. The agricultural industry will also stand to benefit from IoT connectivity, with BT having previously trialled sensors to monitor haystack temperature and prevent fire risks, as well as safekeeping of livestock through gate sensors.
The network will add to BT’s existing IoT portfolio, which includes eSIMs and IoT national roaming SIMs for UK businesses, offering greater connectivity to customers on the move or in remote locations. BT delivers organisational optimisation by managing, monitoring, and measuring all assets, and informing smarter decisions by surfacing invaluable insights.
