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Glossary · Connectivity

LTE-M

LTE-M is a low-power cellular standard, specified by 3GPP, for small devices that send a little data and run on a battery for a long time. It runs on carrier LTE networks with a narrow 1.4 MHz channel and supports moving devices better than its sibling, NB-IoT.

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What is LTE-M and what is it for?

LTE-M is a cellular technology built for the Internet of Things, meaning devices such as meters, trackers and sensors rather than phones. It was introduced by 3GPP in Release 13 as one of two low-power wide-area cellular options, the other being NB-IoT.

It gives up speed in exchange for battery life and low cost. A device on LTE-M can sleep for long periods and wake only to send a small report, which is the pattern of a tracker that reports every few minutes.

How is LTE-M different from NB-IoT?

LTE-M and NB-IoT, in general terms
LTE-MNB-IoT
Channel width1.4 MHz minimum180 kHz
Built onLTE, with IoT additionsA new radio design that coexists with LTE and GSM
Moving devicesDesigned to support themBetter suited to devices that stay put
Typical useWearables, trackers, asset tagsFixed meters and sensors
Capabilities depend on the network and the release it supports. See NB-IoT.

Coverage is set by the carrier, not the device. A badge that depends on either standard works only where a carrier has switched it on, which is why field crews far outside cellular coverage are not a good fit for any cellular device.

Why does LTE-M matter for a jobsite device?

It matters because it is one of the ways a small device can report on its own connection without a phone or site Wi-Fi. A worn badge moves with the worker, so a standard that handles movement and low power fits the job. A cellular badge such as ZeroBadge's reports over a carrier network and never uses the worker's phone or the site's Wi-Fi password.

Which radio standard a given badge uses is a hardware detail to confirm with the maker. Battery life depends on reporting frequency and signal conditions, not on the standard alone.

Frequently asked questions

Does LTE-M need a smartphone?
No. A device with an LTE-M modem and a SIM connects to the carrier's network directly. It does not use a phone or a Wi-Fi network.
Is LTE-M the same as 4G?
It runs on LTE, which is 4G, but uses a narrow channel and power-saving features meant for small devices, so it is far slower than a phone's connection.
Does LTE-M work everywhere?
No. It works where a carrier has enabled it. Coverage maps for LTE-M differ from ordinary phone coverage maps, so check with the carrier.

Sources

  1. 1.GSMA Mobile IoT Deployment Guide · GSMA
  2. 2.Positioning for the Internet of Things: A 3GPP Perspective · arXiv (preprint)

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