As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, many organizations are turning to LTE technology to build robust and future-ready networks. One of the key factors driving this trend is the LTE network advantages that offer wide coverage, strong security, and deployment flexibility—ideal for industrial and utility use cases.

Real Coverage Performance of LTE-M

While the 3GPP provides theoretical coverage targets for LTE-M, actual performance varies due to differing assumptions in network design. These targets are measured in terms of Maximum Coupling Loss (MCL)—an indicator of how much signal loss a service can tolerate. Legacy LTE systems (pre-Release 13) achieve around 142 dB MCL, but LTE-M has the potential for much deeper coverage, which is essential for use cases like underground water metering.

The white paper highlights the importance of standardized comparisons and explains how network operators can better assess LTE-M’s real-world performance under consistent assumptions.

Why LTE is a Strategic Choice

LTE is a globally standardized, mature technology with over a decade of proven success. It is supported by a large ecosystem of equipment vendors, mobile operators, and technical professionals. For utilities and industrial applications, LTE delivers robust encryption and security, ensuring safe data transmission.

Moreover, LTE is designed for long-term evolution, offering a future-proof foundation for integration with 5G technologies. This avoids the costly and disruptive need to overhaul infrastructure every few years.

Building a Private LTE Network: Best Practices

When deploying a private LTE network, utilities should adopt the following strategies:

• Use Dual-SIM Edge Devices: Start with public networks and transition to private ones, while retaining backup options.
• Deploy Rugged Edge Devices: Ensure devices are capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
• Invest in Remote Device Management: Use platforms that allow firmware updates and monitoring without manual intervention, reducing maintenance costs and improving uptime.

By following these practices, organizations can build customized LTE networks that are resilient, secure, and highly scalable.

Flexibility and Control

Private LTE networks offer unmatched flexibility. They can be tailored to specific application requirements, whether for high- or low-bandwidth uses, and can be deployed across entire service territories or in targeted zones.

Because LTE is standards-based, utilities can leverage MNO (Mobile Network Operator) infrastructure for redundancy. Moreover, owning the network grants control over key factors like security protocols, coverage priorities, and maintenance schedules.

Conclusion

With its flexibility, scalability, and secure framework, LTE—especially LTE-M—remains a top-tier choice for industries seeking to digitalize their operations. Partnering with trusted providers like JimiIoT ensures that organizations can future-proof their infrastructure and stay ahead in the IoT evolution.

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