What is NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT)?
Short answer
NB-IoT is a 3GPP cellular standard built for IoT devices that transmit little, run on batteries for years, and live in coverage-challenged places (underground, deep indoor). It runs on licensed operator spectrum and is stationary: if the device moves, you want LTE-M.
What it's actually designed for
Buried meters, smoke detectors, basement sensors, parking sensors: places where traditional 4G coverage struggles. NB-IoT gains 20 dB of penetration at the cost of high latency and low throughput. If your device sends 100 bytes a day, it's perfect.
Key limitations
No handover between cells (bad for moving devices), seconds of latency, no voice, typical throughput <100 kbps. Not every Spanish/EU operator has 100% NB-IoT coverage: verify before you deploy.
When to choose NB-IoT
Stationary, low-data, battery/penetration-first, coverage verified at your real locations.
- Smart metering (water, gas, electricity)
- Fixed detectors and alarms
- Fixed agricultural sensors
- Parking sensors
- Asset tracking only when idle
NB-IoT coverage map for Spain
We send you a per-operator NB-IoT coverage map and a free 2-SIM pilot to validate at your real locations.
Frequently asked questions
NB-IoT or LTE-M for a GPS tracker?+
LTE-M. NB-IoT doesn't support handover between cells while the device is moving, so a truck-mounted tracker will drop the connection. LTE-M does, with much lower latency.
How long does the battery last on NB-IoT?+
With small daily transmissions and PSM mode, a 5 Wh battery can last 8–10 years. With aggressive DRx or more frequent transmits, it drops to 2–3 years.
Does NB-IoT work in roaming?+
Less, and worse, than traditional 4G. NB-IoT roaming agreements improved in 2024–2026 but are uneven. For cross-border projects, verify country by country.
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