Japan's First Domestic Cellular LPWA Telecomms Service to Spread IoT Use

―KDDI Launches Sales of KYW01, an Ultra-mini LTE-M Telecomms Module for IoT Use―

• KDDI CORPORATION

January 29,2018

KDDI CORPORATION on January 29 began offering its corporate clients KYW01, an IoT-optimized ultra-miniaturized LTE-M communication module that complies with LTE-M (Cat.M1) 3GPP standard specifications.
Together with the KYW01 module launch, KDDI also began providing Japan's first [1] domestic cellular LPWA telecommunication service, KDDI IoT Telecommunication Service LPWA (LTE-M) [2], as well as KDDI IoT Cloud Device Management, a tool for remotely managing IoT devices and communication modules.

LTE-M (Cat.M1) is an LTE standard specification that uses mobile phone networks and is based on 3GPP Release 13 for particularly low power consumption and broad coverage.

The KYW01 module is compatible with extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX) and Power Saving Mode (PSM) for low power consumption, as well as Coverage Enhancement technology, which enables use throughout broader coverage areas. These capabilities enable it to run for more than 10 years on the power provided by two AA-size batteries [3]. In addition to LTE telecommunications area coverage, it can also provide connectivity in locations such as mountainous areas and the recesses of building interiors.

In addition, the KYW01 module features unique ceramic substrate technology and a simplified, extremely miniaturized design about the size of a ¥1 or 1¢ coin. Highly compact and capable of operating for extended periods on battery power, it can be expected to find useful IoT applications in diverse fields including gas, water and other smart-meter devices, as well as logistics and wearable technologies.

The use of mobile phone networks can be expected to provide stable telecommunications connectivity that obviates the need for gateway devices as long as the customer has a compatible terminal device.

KDDI will continue to provide total solutions encompassing the full range from IoT telecomms to data utilization services. In addition to facilitating our customers' business operations, our goal is to help achieve a society in which telecommunications among many and varied partners is safe and worry-free.

Please visit the reference page for details:

• Reference page

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Reference page

1. KYW01: Overview and characteristics

• (1)

  Ultra-miniaturized
  Simplified communication module design and unique ceramic substrate technology provides substantial durability and compact size, about 20 x 20 x 3.7 millimeters.

• (2)

  LTE-M compatibility for low energy consumption and broad area coverage

  • [1]

    Low energy consumption
    eDRX technology for low energy consumption makes it possible to extend paging/confirmation intervals, while PSM establishes time periods during which no data can be received, thus reducing the frequency of transmissions. Fewer operations of the communication module mean less power consumption, making it possible to run for extended periods on battery power. This facilitates use for IoT applications.

  • [2]

    Coverage Enhancement technology
    Coverage Enhancement technology enables a device to receive multiple iterations of a transmission, then piece together partial data sets to supplement gaps caused by weak reception. This expands the effective coverage area.

• (3)

  KDDI IoT Cloud Device Management compatibility
  Compatibility with KDDI IoT Cloud Device Management compatibility makes it possible to perform various operations remotely, such as updating the module's firmware, monitoring its status, and adjusting its energy-saving settings.

2. Product specifications

3. Pricing

Open pricing

4. Payment plans

Customers can select the most affordable plan from among KDDI IoT Telecommunication Service LPWA (LTE-M) [2] specialized payment plans LPWA10, LPWA100 and LPWA500. In some cases, fees can be as low as ¥40 per line per month [7].

5. Available from

January 29, 2018

6. Contact

Please contact KDDI Sales or the Module Support Center.

Module Support Center
0800-700-7016 (Toll-free)

• Reception times:

  9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. JST (Closed Saturdays, Sundays, National and New Year's Holidays)

Notes

• [1]

  Source: KDDI study of publicly disclosed information, January 29, 2018.

• [2]

  KDDI IoT Telecommunication Service LPWA (LTE-M) is provided by KDDI and Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company Service begins in select areas, with subsequent phased expansion to result in nationwide coverage.

• [3]

  Anticipated life of 4,000mAh battery power supply (i.e., two AA-size batteries), assuming 1KB data transmission once per week, and PSM "ON" at all other times. Power consumption may change due to transmission environment and conditions of use.

• [4]

  Average values within transmission range, assuming ambient temperature of 25°C and power supply voltage of 3.65V. Values may vary depending on individual communication module.

• [5]

  Average values within transmission range, assuming UART power control, ambient temperature of 25°C and power supply voltage of 3.65V. Values may vary depending on individual communication module.

• [6]

  Average values during data reception and transmission at maximum transmission capacity, assuming ambient temperature of 25°C and power supply voltage of 3.65V. Values may vary depending on individual communication module.

• [7]

  Assumes LPWA10 plan contracted for more than 5 million lines. One or more lines may be used in smaller numbers for ¥100 per month per line.

• [8]

  Instantaneous value. Per-second average values are 300Kbps download and 375Kbps upload (HalfDuplex mode).

• KYW01 communication modules are sold in lots of 100.
• Quoted prices do not include tax.

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• The information contained in the news releases is current at the time of publication. Products, service fees,service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.

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