What is Nb IoT?
NB-IoT at a Glance
- NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) is a low-power, wide-area cellular technology standardized by 3GPP to support massive IoT deployments with minimal energy consumption and greater coverage.
- Designed for static or low-mobility devices like sensors, meters, and trackers, NB-IoT offers reliable, cost-effective connectivity with deep indoor penetration.
- It enables long battery life (10+ years), wide-area coverage, and secure, licensed-band operation – ideal for industrial, agricultural, and smart city applications.
What is NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)?
NB-IoT, or Narrowband IoT, is a cellular radio access technology developed by the 3GPP as part of the LTE Release 13 standard and refined over later releases. It is engineered specifically to connect low-power devices that transmit small amounts of data over long periods – exactly the kind of demand seen in many IoT applications.
Unlike traditional cellular technologies designed for human data use (streaming, voice, browsing), NB-IoT is optimized for machine-to-machine communication (M2M) and excels in use cases where coverage, energy efficiency, and scalability matter more than speed.
Key Features of NB-IoT
- Low Power Consumption: Enables IoT devices to run for up to 10+ years on a single battery.
- Greater Coverage: Strong indoor and underground penetration, ideal for hard-to-reach areas. Even compatible with Non Terrestrial networks (NTNs)
- Low Data Rates: Tailored for small, infrequent packets of data (e.g., sensor readings).
- Licensed Spectrum: Operates on secure, interference-free cellular bands.
- Low Cost: Simple chipsets and efficient network architecture reduce device and deployment costs.
NB-IoT Use Cases
NB-IoT is purpose-built for devices that need to transmit small amounts of data infrequently, often without real-time responsiveness. It’s ideal for:
- Smart Metering (gas, water, electricity)
- Environmental Monitoring (temperature, air quality, soil moisture)
- Smart Cities (parking sensors, street lighting)
- Industrial IoT (predictive maintenance, asset tracking)
- Agriculture (soil sensors, livestock monitors)
NB-IoT vs LTE-M: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | NB-IoT | LTE-M |
| Data Throughput | Very low | Low to moderate |
| Mobility Support | Limited (stationary or slow devices) | Supports mobility (e.g., vehicle tracking) |
| Voice Support | No | Yes (via VoLTE) |
| Latency | Higher | Lower |
| Use Case Focus | Static sensors, infrequent data | Mobile devices, real-time comms |
NB-IoT is best for stationary, low-activity devices, while LTE-M is preferred for mobile or time-sensitive applications.
Advantages of NB-IoT
- Long Battery Life: Power-saving features like PSM and eDRX extend battery life.
- Cost-Effective: Simple, low-cost modules and minimal infrastructure requirements.
- Global Adoption: Supported by most major mobile operators around the world.
- Secure & Reliable: Utilizes licensed spectrum with carrier-grade security.
Limitations of NB-IoT
- Limited Bandwidth: Not suitable for large or frequent data transfers.
- Higher Latency: Not ideal for real-time applications or time-sensitive alerts.
- Lack of Mobility: Devices must remain largely stationary to maintain consistent connections.
NB-IoT with Soracom
Soracom’s platform supports NB-IoT connectivity with flexible, pay-as-you-go pricing and cloud-native integration tools. This makes it easy to manage thousands of devices at scale with secure, reliable, low-power cellular connectivity – whether you’re deploying in cities, farms, or factories.
Conclusion: Why NB-IoT Matters for Scalable IoT
NB-IoT provides a foundational layer for massive IoT deployments, enabling secure, low-cost, and energy-efficient connectivity for millions of devices. With support from global mobile operators and evolving standards from 3GPP, NB-IoT remains a critical tool in building the connected systems of the future.