Ukrainian mobile operator Lifecell has disclosed that it is deploying a NB-IoT network, initially to support gas company Kievgas with remote metering and gas supply monitoring.
Lifecell says it has completed a ‘first stage’ of NB-IoT technology rollout using its LTE network and the 1800MHz spectrum band, which will enable connection of tens of thousands of smart devices per base station. Tests in partnership with Kievgas in several areas of Kiev have been satisfactory, the cellco added, and the next stage will be to expand NB-IoT coverage across the rest of the city ahead of a planned rollout to other Ukrainian regions. The pilot deployment used radio equipment from Ericsson, with support from Odine Solutions and Affirmed Networks’ virtualised packet solutions.