MediaTek launches NB-IoT SoC, partners with China Mobile

MediaTek Inc. recently unveiled its first narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) System-on-Chip (SoC), the MT2625, and announced a collaboration with China Mobile to build the world's smallest NB-IoT module (16mm X 18mm) around the chipset.

MediaTek's new ultra-low-power MT2625 SoC supports a full frequency band (from 450MHz to 1.2GHz) of 3GPP R13 (NB1) and R14 (NB2) standards for a wide range of IoT applications including smart home control, logistics tracking and smart meters.

Since existing cellular networks like 2G, 3G and 4G do not have the capacity to meet the needs of billions of IoT devices, Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) networking was developed to accommodate the increased connectivity needs across the globe. MediaTek has been a key player driving the formulation and implementation of the 3GPP LPWA specification for NB-IoT, which is designed to support large-scale connectivity, reduce equipment complexity and minimize power consumption to prolong battery life for years.

"LPWA has the power to truly unleash the potential of the IoT, representing a huge market opportunity," said Jerry Yu, MediaTek Corporate Vice President and General Manager of the Home Entertainment Business Group.

"MediaTek was the first in the industry to support the full frequency band of 3GPP NB-IoT standards, and we are committed to continuing to invest in NB-IoT technology to meet the global market demand. By providing highly integrated, low power and robust connectivity technologies over the years, along with full-featured IoT software and hardware development platforms, MediaTek aims to enable developers and device makers of all sizes to quickly bring to market innovative NB-IoT devices."