NB-IoT is a cellular communication technology optimized for low-power and low-data-rate applications, making it a strong candidate for smart metering.

What Is NB-IoT?

NB-IoT is a variation of LTE (4G) designed with an emphasis on:

• Low power consumption

• Wide coverage

• Moderate data rate

While regular LTE is optimized for high-speed applications, NB-IoT sacrifices data speed to gain power efficiency—ideal for devices such as utility meters like water, gas, or energy meters

that transmit small amounts of data occasionally.

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Private vs Public Networks

NB-IoT relies on public mobile networks (e.g., Vodafone, Telekom, AT&T), unlike technologies like LoRaWAN, Mioty, or MS5, which typically use private infrastructure.

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Public NB-IoT Networks

Pros:

• Easy to set up: Insert a SIM card, and it works.

• No need for planning, installing, or maintaining infrastructure.

Cons:

• Dependent on network provider:

o Coverage limitations

o Uncertain lifetime of service

o No control over when/how data is transmitted

• Subject to abrupt service changes (e.g., AT&T's sudden shutdown of NB-IoT in 2024/25).

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Private Networks (LoRaWAN, Mioty, etc.)

Pros:

• Full control over:

o Coverage

o Data flow

o Device scaling (no per-device cost)

o Operation lifetime (10+ years if needed)

Cons:

• Requires up-front investment in gateways, antennas, etc.

• More complex setup and ongoing maintenance.

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Network Modes and Deployment: How NB-IoT Is Deployed

Mobile operators can deploy NB-IoT in 3 modes:

1. In-Band: Shares LTE spectrum; efficient but competes with LTE revenue.

2. Guard Band: Uses buffer frequencies between LTE bands; more isolated.

3. Standalone: Uses non-LTE spectrum; requires hardware changes.

These differ in how they use spectrum resources and affect network operators' willingness to support NB-IoT due to profit priorities with LTE and 5G. This results in a conflict of interest for

mobile operators—since LTE is more profitable, NB-IoT may not be prioritized.

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Frequency Bands & Compatibility

NB-IoT operates on multiple frequency bands. Devices and networks must support the same band to communicate.

Example:

Band B20 (832 MHz) → High range, low capacity

Band B3 (1.71 GHz) → Low range, high capacity

Lower bands offer better range but lower capacity. High-frequency bands allow more devices in a smaller area. Always confirm with your provider which bands are supported in your area,

especially before scaling to thousands of devices.

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SIM Card & Operational Considerations

NB-IoT requires SIM or eSIM cards. Using SIM-based NB-IoT brings up several operational questions:

When and where are SIMs activated?

Who handles installation (you or the manufacturer)?

How are SIMs mapped to sensors?

Security Risks

What if someone steals and misuses a SIM? and What happens to SIMs in retired sensors?

Switching Providers

Are SIMs locked to one network? Can you use roaming SIMs as a fallback? And What if your provider shuts down NB-IoT or goes bankrupt?

Proper planning is essential for large-scale, long-term deployments. Key considerations include:

deployment logistics, SIM mapping, activation timing, SIM security, and provider dependency.

SIM abuse, provider shutdown, or bankruptcy are risks that must be planned for.

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Integration Architecture & Data Flow

A typical NB-IoT data chain: NB-IoT sensors send data via mobile base stations to a network backend, often through a Lightweight M2M server to meter data management software.

NB-IoT Sensor → Mobile Network Base Station → Network Backend → Lightweight M2M Server → Meter Data Management Software Only the NB-IoT sensor is under your direct control, while the rest may be outsourced or managed in-house. (e.g., via vendor portals or cloud services).

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Battery Life Comparison

Among LPWAN technologies, Mioty offers the longest battery life, followed by LoRaWAN.

NB-IoT consumes the most power, but battery life can be extended with larger batteries at higher cost.

You can still achieve 10–15 years battery life with NB-IoT—but it requires larger, more expensive batteries.

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When to Use NB-IoT?

Use NB-IoT if you need moderate-to-high data rates and prefer not to manage your own infrastructure and also you are okay with some dependency on network operators.

Avoid NB-IoT if You require ultra-low power or full control and you cannot tolerate provider shutdown risks.

Evaluate your technical, financial, and operational needs carefully.

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Three Hardware Options

Meters can connect via NB-IoT directly, with an Add-on NB-IoT communication module, or via a mini gateway collecting data from non-NB-IoT meters and forwarding via NB-IoT.

Choose the method based on your application, meter type, and scaling strategy.

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Which Technology?

MS4 for walk-by or Wi-Fi, Short-range metering

LoRaWAN for Small, low-power networks

Mioty for high-performance and large-scale smart city networks

NB-IoT for Moderate to large scale without infrastructure and quick deployment

MS5 for Large scale, High control and private infrastructure

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Final Thoughts

NB-IoT is a powerful but complex solution. It offers strong benefits with high data rate , Low infrastructure requirements and ease of use, but also comes with dependency risks and limited

interoperability.

With proper planning around SIMs, bands, and service continuity, it can be an excellent fit for smart metering and IoT deployments.

Before deciding on NB-IoT:

• Evaluate your technical, financial, and operational security needs.

• Discuss band support, SIM strategy, and network longevity with your provider.