Telecom operator SoftBank has selected Ericsson as Evolved Packet Core vendor for the deployment of Cat-M1 and NB-IoT networks in Japan.

SoftBank will deploy Cat-M1 and NB-IoT networks nationwide, aiming to be first operator to market with commercial cellular IoT services. SoftBank will offer IoT services in Japan supporting innovative Cat-M1/NB-IoT devices connected to its mobile networks.

Ericsson, announcing the IoT network agreement, said it will deliver Cat-M1 support as a software upgrade to SoftBank’s existing Evolved Packet Core, and NB-IoT using Ericsson virtual Evolved Packet Core and Cloud Execution Environment.

Cat-M1 and NB-IoT-enabled IoT devices allow SoftBank to cost effectively extend their networks while creating new revenue streams for IoT services.

Mikael Eriksson, the head of Ericsson Japan, was instrumental in announcing the IoT network deal with SoftBank.

Ericsson’s IoT network solutions for Cat-M1 and NB-IoT -enabled IoT devices offer benefits such as low cost, low power consumption, deep coverage, massive connections and high reliability of transmission.

SoftBank aims to offer IoT services in smart cities, logistics, utilities, medicine, transport, mining, agriculture, manufacturing and many more – utilizing LTE coverage.

“Ericsson’s solutions in Cat-M1 and NB-IoT technology ensure that we will be able to go to market with highly competitive commercial cellular IoT services and play a role in leading the growth of the IoT market in Japan,” said Junichi Miyakawa, CTO of SoftBank.