Opportunity knocks for chipset providers as China rethinks its cellular IoT strategy
When the new generation of Cat-M1 (LTE-M) and NB-IoT networks began rolling out, there was considerable speculation as to which markets would push forward each technology. The two largest U.S. carriers decided to prioritize Cat-M1 networks, while Chinese operators prioritized NB-IoT with its simpler and less costly technology.
At the time, Cat-M1 and NB-IoT were considered to be competing technologies. However, most mobile network operators have since come to the realization that these will compliment, rather than compete, with each other. Thus, we are witnessing a global approach to utilize both technologies.