AT&T completes IoT network tests in Mexico

US telco AT&T successfully tested its LTE-M network in the Mexican cities of Puebla and Tijuana during the third quarter of this year. The network is specifically designed for internet of things applications, the company said in a press release.

AT&T deployed its LTE-M network in the US at the beginning of this year and expects to complete a similar deployment in Mexico by year-end. This will be the first IoT-focused network in North America, according to the company. The telco has already succeeded in transferring data between the US and Mexico.

The city of Tijuana was selected due to its proximity to the US and the city's position as a manufacturing and financial hub.

Meanwhile, Puebla was chosen for its location in Mexico's central region and its technology and advanced manufacturing developments, which are mostly pushed by the presence of the automotive industry in the state.

According to AT&T, the LTE-M network provides better coverage indoors and in underground settings than traditional LTE networks. This network technology also allows the use of considerably smaller IoT modules and can help extend the expected battery life of IoT devices for up to 10 years.

AT&T is now participating in the race for the largest share of Mexico's IoT networks. Competitor América Móvil also expects to launch its 4.5G network by the end of this year, which is also designed to address the connectivity demand resulting from IoT applications.