US Cellular has announced the launch of its LTE-M network on more than 90% of its cell sites across the country – with the intention to have them 100% covered by the end of the second quarter.

The LTE-M network, which is the international cellular standard designed and optimised for IoT connectivity, is a steadfast, secure and an economical solution that helps them connect large amounts of IoT devices in urban as well as rural areas and distant locations.

The LTE-M network launched by US Cellular is suitable for IoT solutions, such as fleet and asset management, tank monitoring, smart metres and other applications due to LPWAN, which provides extended coverage at a lesser cost. Moreover, low power or battery-limited LTE-M devices built for mass adoption of IoT applications and deployment can be less complicated and expensive.

The Illinois-based mobile network provider, by some distance the fifth largest US carrier according to Statista figures, currently supports many LTE-M modules like the Telit ME910C1-WW and ME910C1-NA, Quectel BG96 and u-blox SARA-R410M.

“Our LTE-M network brings our business and government customers capabilities and features that will enable an entirely new set of use cases to help them improve their operations and grow their business,” said Jim Anetsberger, US Cellular VP business sales in a statement. “We want to set our IoT customers up for future success with solutions that are designed to meet their specific needs.

“Working together with our vendors and customers, we can unleash the potential of our LTE-M network,” Anetsberger added.

Last September, AT&T signed roaming agreements with Canadian operators, including Bell Canada, Rogers Communications, and Telus, to support them in their endeavour towards the IoT. AT&T would provide access to these operators to its LTE-M network across the US. As part of the mutual agreement, AT&T customers would be able to roam on these carriers’ LTE-M networks in Canada and similarly Bell, Rogers, and Telus’ customers on AT&T’s LTE-M network in the US.

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