Ericsson and Orange in Internet of Things trial with EC-GSM-IoT

• Ericsson, Orange and Intel have successfully conducted one of the world's first extended coverage trial for Internet of Things (IoT) using EC-GSM-IoT (Extended Coverage-GSM-IoT)
• Trial demonstrates improved indoor coverage and shows that investments can be optimized  through new software deployment on top of existing cellular networks
• EC-GSM-IoT will be shown during MWC 2016 on the Ericsson booth as part of its smart agriculture and connected vineyards use case demo

EC-GSM-IoT (formerly EC-EGPRS) is a new technology that enables new capabilities of existing cellular networks for LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) IoT applications. EC-GSM-IoT can be activated through new software deployed over a very large GSM footprint, adding even more coverage to serve IoT devices.

Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC), Orange and Intel have completed one of the first live trials of EC-GSM-IoT technology for Internet of Things optimized for, low-cost, low-complexity devices and enhanced network capabilities for cellular IoT. This groundbreaking EC-GSM-IoT trial was conducted in Paris from November 2015 to February 2016, using the 900 MHz band. Coverage extension of 20 dB beyond GSM coverage was reached, showing a seven-fold improvement in the range of low-rate applications. It also showed the ability to reach challenging locations such as deep indoor basements, where many smart meters are installed, or remote areas in which sensors are deployed for agriculture or infrastructure monitoring use cases. The live trial demonstrated excellent performances and proved the full coexistence of such devices with legacy mobile devices.

Alain Maloberti, SVP of Orange Labs Networks, says: "The results of this trial represent a significant step forward for the industry. It demonstrates the viability and cost effectiveness of the technology, and paves the way for us to help the IoT ecosystem develop."

Arun Bansal, Head of Business Unit Radio, Ericsson says: "Our cellular LPWA solution allows operators to optimize their existing infrastructure with new software deployment. We are pleased with the results reached during the trial. EC-GSM-IoT is a promising technology offering new opportunities for massive IoT based on 3GPP standard evolutions."

Asha Keddy, Vice President and General Manager of Intel's Next Generation and Standards Group Intel, says: "Improved indoor coverage is key when it comes to IoT, so we are very pleased with the results achieved during the trial. We are in a position to help our customers meet their IoT solution requirements."

Cellular networks optimized for IoT will be operational in 2017.

EC-GSM-IoT will be demonstrated during MWC in Ericsson's hall with the connected vineyards use case, combining air humidity and temperature low complexity sensors with long battery life.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Ericsson at Mobile World Congress 2016

During Mobile World Congress 2016 in Barcelona, Ericsson will showcase its unique industry insights, the latest innovation and inspirational discussions that enable powerful new business opportunities.

We are in the midst of the societal transformation we call the Networked Society: a society in which mobility, broadband and cloud empower every person and every industry to reach their full potential. Opportunity is everywhere, and companies are transforming according to the role they have chosen to play in the value chains and ecosystems of the Networked Society.

Join us in our Hall (Hall 2, Stand 2N60) to learn about 5G, the Internet of Things and cloud, and to discuss the impact digital transformation can have on people, business and society.

Follow the conversation online:
www.twitter.com/ericsson
www.linkedin.com/ericsson
 
For media kits, backgrounders and high-resolution photos, please visit www.ericsson.com/press

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society - a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Our services, software and infrastructure - especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud - are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.

With approximately 115,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world's mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions - and our customers - stay in front.

Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2015 were SEK 246.9 billion (USD 29.4 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.

www.ericsson.com 
www.ericsson.com/news
www.twitter.com/ericssonpress
www.facebook.com/ericsson
www.youtube.com/ericsson

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

Ericsson Corporate Communications
Phone: +46 10 719 69 92
E-mail: media.relations@ericsson.com

Ericsson Investor Relations
Phone: +46 10 719 00 00
E-mail: investor.relations@ericsson.com