M1 and Nokia announce Singapore’s first nationwide commercial NB-IoT deployment

SINGAPORE, 19 August 2016 – M1 Limited (M1) and Nokia today announced a strategic partnership to roll out a nationwide commercial NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things) network by 1H2017.

The NB-IoT standards were finalised by the GSMA Standards body 3GPP in June 2016. When completed, the deployment – Nokia’s first large-scale deployment with an operator partner in Asia – is expected to be amongst the world’s first commercial NB-IoT deployments.

NB-IoT networks and devices are designed to deliver improved network performance for M2M (machine-to-machine) communications – low-bandwidth, robust indoor penetration and low power consumption, while delivering the benefits of licensed spectrum such as network reliability and security. Commercial NB-IoT devices are expected to be available by mid-2017.

According to Bell Labs Consulting, there will be up to five billion IoT devices connected through mobile networks by 2020[1].  In Singapore, NB-IoT deployment will support the nation’s journey to become a Smart Nation underpinned by data to deliver anticipatory services to its people.

“NB-IoT is emerging to be a potentially promising technology for smart city’s machine-to machine type of applications and services. We look forward to working with NB-IoT partners to explore the use of NB-IoT in developing innovative Smart Nation services that improve our citizens’ lives and make our businesses more productive,” said Ms Jacqueline Poh, Chief Executive-designate, Government Technology Agency (GovTech).

“As more and more devices become connected, NB-IoT will enable exciting new possibilities as Singapore moves towards a Smart Nation. The industry plays an important role in this journey, and it is encouraging to see tech players such as M1 and Nokia taking the leap forward to implement new communications technology in realising the potential of IoT. Furthermore, NB-IoT communications can have a positive impact on different sectors. For example, Singapore companies in the logistics space can deploy IoT solutions to enhance their operations and services.  At IMDA, we will continue to work closely with our industry partners to further strengthen our communications, media and data infrastructure, paving the way for innovative products and services to be created,” said Mr Gabriel Lim, Chief Executive-Designate, Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA).“The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) is pleased to work with M1 to promote greater connectivity and productivity in the maritime sector, particularly with growing interest in smart ships and ports, and NB-IoT will enable MPA and its partners to explore the deployment of a network of offshore sensors to augment the situational awareness of our port waters,” said Mr Andrew Tan, Chief Executive, MPA.

“NB-IoT technology is the key to connecting the coming wave of smart devices. Our strategic partnership with Nokia to deploy an advanced nationwide NB-IoT network strengthens our ability to support Singapore’s IoT eco-system, to drive the innovative and effective new fleet management, smart metering, public safety and other smart solutions deployed by our growing customers in the corporate and Government segments,” said Ms Karen Kooi, Chief Executive Officer, M1, at the partnership signing ceremony with Mr Rajeev Suri, Nokia Chief Executive Officer, today.

“Nokia’s joint collaboration of NB-IoT deployment with M1 lays an important groundwork for further application of LTE-based IoT services. We will continue to work with our customers and make R&D efforts for innovative technologies in enabling IoT connectivity,” said Mr Sandeep Girotra, Senior Vice President of Asia Pacific and Japan, Nokia.

M1 is Singapore’s most vibrant and dynamic communications company, providing mobile and fixed services to over 2 million customers. Since the launch of 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 (NGNBN). With a continual focus on network quality, customer service, value and innovation, M1 links anyone and anything; anytime, anywhere. For more information, visit www.m1.com.sg.[1] Bell Labs Consulting report: Who will satisfy the desire to consume? April 2016