IoT 5G Style

Originally posted on IoT Evolution World

Connectivity is at the heart of the IoT and Industrial IoT (IIoT), enabling edge devices to communicate with gateways and gateways to communicate with the cloud, often via cellular data connections. There are multiple connectivity standards vying for dominance within the cellular category, from 4G/LTE-M and 5G to NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT), including LoRaWAN networking.

Both LTE-M and NB-IoT were created by the wireless (cellular) industry in response to the rise of LPWAN technologies, which were specifically developed for IoT use cases. These new cellular standards were designed to support device communication via carrier networks in a way that’s less expensive and more power-efficient than traditional telecom standards, a case which is artfully laid out by the LoRa Alliance.

As any educated decision maker will tell you, there are pros and cons to using any type of technology.

The cellular advantage is in coverage—it operates nearly everywhere, except, of course, in remote areas where cell coverage is typically poor or limited. That, of course, is changing as a result of investments in, and public support of, rural wireless networks as a way to help bridge the chronic digital divide everywhere, including the U.S.

Cellular-based IoT devices communicate on a licensed spectrum, which means performance is good, but today with the growth of Citizens Broadband Radio Spectrum (CBRS), more and more networks are being built more cost-effectively using unlicensed spectrum in America.

Two companies who specialize in the Private LTE (PLTE) and Enterprise 5G wireless networking domains this week announced, along with the OnGo Alliance, they have been rolling out projects across the U.S., many associated with bridging the digital divide by tapping into the power and value of new wireless IoT and IIoT solutions.

Working within the framework and community of the OnGo Alliance, two of its members, Pente Networks and Baicells, are promoting solutions that are changing the very nature of connected government, public safety, education, healthcare, agriculture, and more, including those made technically and economically possible with the natural economic benefits of Citizens Broadband Radio Spectrum (CBRS). The use cases are tightly woven into all three organizations’ passion for bridging – once and for all – the digital divide in America.

Projects underway include those initiated by the government and tribal agencies across public safety, education, and agriculture, closing the digital gaps by bringing advanced Private Long Term Evolution (P-LTE) 4G and 5G cloud telco capabilities to communities across the country.

“Working together with the Baicells team and leveraging their range of technologies to create connected systems within communities across America has been a tremendous experience,” said Roy Timor-Rousso, CMO of Pente Networks.

 Pente last week announced it has established a global headquarters in the U.S. after closing a $10 million A round and appointing technology veteran Avi Cohen as CEO.

“Working alongside a national wireless carrier, we have built turnkey PLTE solutions for enterprises, communities, and service providers,” said Tony Eigen, VP of global marketing at Baicells. “Over the last year, we have implemented private networks for State and Local Government and Education organizations, Tribal agencies, and large agricultural companies, including several drone fleet management solutions. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits to communities we are focused on, with next-level security, performance, and wireless range, compared to the alternatives.”

The companies are also sharing progress on a SLED project (State and Local Education and Muni), which replicates the success of FWA (Fixed Wireless Access) deployments, like the one in the City of Las Vegas, and designed to address the digital divide and build a connected community for residents and devices.

This includes helping Tribal communities dramatically improve access to high-performance and affordable PLTE solutions that enable access to the Internet, remote learning, and telehealth, among other applications.

“As an Alliance with a mission to promote the value and benefits of CBRS deployments, bridging the digital divide and building smart cities are two tangible examples of how the spectrum can help enhance a more sustainable future and feed the appetite for broadband across the country,” said Alan Ewing, Executive Director, OnGo Alliance. “To further the success we’re already seeing today, we need a mix of technologies. This is why what Pente Networks and Baicells are doing together is so powerful. We’re excited to support these organizations.”

The OnGo Alliance is an industry consortium that promotes the development, commercialization, and adoption of LTE and 5G solutions for the US 3.5 GHz Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) and evangelizes shared spectrum globally. This is an ecosystem that is growing at a rapid pace since becoming commercial deployed just two years ago with 240,000 CBSDs, 490+ different types of client devices (EUDs), and more than 4,300 certified installers.

As a full member of the OnGo Alliance, Baicells covers categories including CBSD Vendor, Commercial Real Estate, Consulting Services, Ecosystem Support Services, Educational Institution, End to End Service Solution, EPC Service, Equipment Vendors, Healthcare, Industrial IoT, Industry Association, Industry Sector, Manufacturing, Mobile Handset Vendor, Module Vendor, Oil/Gas, Retail, Router Vendor, Stadium/Entertainment, Target Business Verticals, and the Utility industry.

Celebrating its first full year supporting the OnGo Alliance, Pente cover categories including Agriculture, Commercial Real Estate, Edge Compute, End to End Service Solution, EPC Service, Healthcare, Hospitality, Industrial IoT, Industry Association, IT, Mining, Network Core Services, Oil/Gas, Retail, Telecom, Transportation, and the Utility industry.