Select Spectrum and Puloli Announce Private LTE NB-IoT Network in Upper 700 MHz A Block

First Standalone NB-IoT Network for Critical Infrastructure Industry

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Puloli, Inc. and Select Spectrum today announced the launch of world’s first private standalone LTE NB-IoT network purpose-built for critical infrastructure industries. The turn-key service using Upper 700 MHz A Block spectrum went live earlier this month. In its initial implementation, the network covers northern Florida’s major population centers. A regional utility and a communications service provider are using the service to monitor assets and facilities.

Puloli adapted 3GPP NB-IoT standard to this spectrum by developing a custom channelization and band plan. Given the paired 1 MHz uplink and 1 MHz downlink structure of Upper 700 MHz A Block, NB-IoT is a perfect standards-based IoT solution for this spectrum. In partnership with industry leaders, Puloli is launching FCC-certified Remote Units that are being deployed for utilities and service providers in the region. A distance of up to 25 miles in coverage from tower sites has been verified, making it one of the most capital efficient IoT solutions for utilities and other critical infrastructure industries. Under the Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) model, Puloli designed, deployed, and operates the network.

Select Spectrum, a provider of marketing, consulting and analytic services to buyers and sellers of spectrum rights, initiated the creation of the network based on strong demand for private LTE IoT networks by utilities and other critical infrastructure industries. Licenses for the Upper 700 MHz A Block have been purchased by a total of 21 critical infrastructure organizations including electric, gas and water utilities; oil & gas companies; and train operators.

“Existing 700 MHz radio suppliers provide a wide range of high-quality and high-throughput solutions for critical infrastructure,” said Robert Finch, president of Select Spectrum. “We also saw a need for the long range, low power, long battery life, and low-cost remotes available through the cellular industry’s 3GPP LTE NB IoT standard, and we are very pleased with the results of Puloli’s development.”

“Puloli’s software-defined solution combined with our deep domain expertise in NB-IoT enabled us to do a rapid development, network design, and deployment in a very short order,” said Kethees Ketheesan, CEO of Puloli. “Our solution is truly a full turn-key end-to-end solution. Our customers do not have to go to another entity for system integration.  Puloli takes care of all aspects of the service from remote units to network to service activation.”

Source: Puloli media announcement