Dialog Unveils South Asia’s First Narrowband IoT Enabled Network to Revolutionise ‘Dialog Smartlife’ Services

Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s premier telecommunication services provider, unveils yet another cutting-edge technology solution with its foray into Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT). The first to launch the technology in South Asia, NB-IoT is a narrowband radio technology specially designed to enable seamless connectivity amongst devices using Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) technology. NB-IoT is activated on Dialog’s network island wide through a software upgrade to existing 4G base stations, allowing consumers to utilise the benefits of IoT.

The introduction of NB-IoT to market, increases the adoption of emerging IoT technology and other related devices. Operating in a licensed and regulated spectrum, NB-IoT is less susceptible to interference and enables secure and reliable communication. It was introduced as an enhancement to the 4G LTE network standard in June 2016, and has several key enhancements for connecting billions of devices to the internet using existing LTE infrastructure. Key features of the technology include longer battery life for devices, unified coverage, secure connectivity, high reliability and easy deployment into existing cellular network architecture.

With the introduction of ‘Dialog Smartlife’ in early July, an innovative digital lifestyle application supporting IoT solutions such as Connected Home and Car Connect, Dialog continues to lead in innovation across the IoT space. Through a simple Smartphone App and Website, Smartlife consumers can create sequences of conditional statements called ‘scenes’ to automate their IoT devices, creating a Smart Home Environment. The launch of the NB-IoT network will further enhance the functionality of these IoT related services offered by Dialog.

Sharing his insights on the technology, Pradeep De Almeida, Group Chief Technology Officer, Dialog Axiata PLC said, “Launching NB-IoT is testament to Dialog being the first in South Asia to gravitate towards technology introduction parallel to the most advanced operators in the world. NB-IoT is optimised for applications and ensures all IoT devices stemming from a home to a remote environment can be connected. This enables better usage of the IoT related services Dialog has introduced, and hopes to explore in future through Dialog Smartlife”

Through better connectivity amongst devices and sensors, NB-IoT has the ability to scale larger smart projects that will impact communities.

Further expanding on the magnitude of NB-IoT he said, “IoT continues to play a crucial role in making progressive and transformational change. Users are increasingly aligning to IoT enabled devices with services ranging in areas of Health, Home Security and Home Automation. The network will amplify opportunity for solutions such as Smart Metering for utilities, Smart Parking systems, Smart Garbage collection, logistic solutions as well as other applications in agriculture and farming. NB-IoT provides a great springboard for us to further leverage IoT in introducing revolutionary services that will enrich Sri Lankan lives.”