Bell has announced it will launch an LTE-M (Long Term Evolution, category M1) network in 2018 to support the rapidly increasing use of IoT devices on low-power, wide-area networks (LPWANs) in Canada. LTE-M improves the operating efficiency of IoT devices by enabling low power consumption and better coverage in underground and hard to reach locations, supporting IoT solutions like smart metering, asset tracking and alarm monitoring.
The federal government made a move this week indicating it will push for lower telecom bills for consumers. Innovation Min. Navdeep Bains has directed the CRTC to reconsider a March decision to exclude small, Wi-Fi-based service providers, like Sugar Mobile, from access to roaming services provided by Rogers Communications Inc., Telus Corp. and BCE Inc. Bains wants to encourage competition from new technologies that could help connect low-income Canadians at less expensive rates.