KORE to Support 2G Coverage for M2M Applications Through 2020

World's Largest Managed Wireless M2M Services Provider to Support Extended-Term 2G Migration for M2M Users, Service Providers

ALPHARETTA, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- KORE, the world’s largest managed wireless network services provider specializing in Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications, today announced it will support existing M2M and IoT devices operating on the KORE network through T-Mobile’s 2G network extension through 2020. KORE’s continued support of T-Mobile’s 2G network will allow 2G-based M2M applications on a mid-term service lifecycle horizon to operate without interruption and give those users and providers more time to transition their in-service investments to LTE.

“With the 2G sunset looming for some users, many are simply not able to make an accelerated transition to LTE across their entire base just yet,” said Alex Brisbourne, CEO, KORE. “Those users with very large bases, or in a mid-term product life cycle – committed to building next generation LTE devices over the next 2-3 years – need more time. This is particularly important as new LTE service classes mature to production over the next 12-18 months. Our aim in supporting this network extension is to give our customers a longer window to shift more seamlessly to the best LTE solution, without losing connectivity or putting undue strain on their business logistics. We are extremely happy T-Mobile has filled this void by extending their 2G network timeline.”

“As the Un-carrier, we extended our 2G network support through 2020 to give our machine-to-machine customers choice when planning for the future,” said Doug Chartier, senior vice president of MVNO, Partner Brands & National Accounts at T-Mobile. “We’re excited to provide a longer-term transition from 2G to LTE solutions for tomorrow’s IoT solutions with a mobile network platform that can meet customer’s needs. Working with our M2M resellers to solve this customer pain point and deliver a plan toward LTE was a critical need for the entire M2M and IoT ecosystem.”

With T-Mobile’s 2G network extension, the KORE network will continue to support direct connectivity for 2G devices operating within T-Mobile’s native coverage footprint. KORE customers will be able to use mapping services on PRiSMPro to determine areas in which devices will or will not have connectivity, to create a more gradual slope for hardware changes. Customers utilizing T-Mobile’s 2G network extension will only have data support for 2G services; M2M and IoT applications requiring voice will not be supported. KORE’s 2G customers will be able to migrate to LTE services, as needed, as their new devices come to market.

About KORE
KORE is the world’s largest managed communications solutions provider specializing in Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) markets. Providing unified control and management for cellular and satellite network service delivery in more than 180 countries worldwide, KORE empowers its application, hardware and wireless operator partners to efficiently deliver M2M solutions for connected devices across the globe. M2M applications in industries as diverse as healthcare, utilities, enterprise IT, transaction processing and fleet management rely on the KORE network to deliver operational efficiencies and cost-savings. KORE offers a range of technologies — including GSM, HSPA, CDMA EV-DO and LTE, as well as satellite services — that ensure the greatest possible reliability and coverage. Through its strategic growth plan, including the recent acquisition of RacoWireless, KORE is primed to deliver an unprecedented portfolio of connected technology, location-aware solutions and management tools in a way that has never before been experienced in the industry. For more information, please visit www.koretelematics.com.

MSLGROUP Boston
Rob Skinner or Maggie Fairchild
781-684-0770
kore@mslgroup.com

Source: KORE