Catalyst for growth and innovation: Viva presents new “Narrow Band-IoT” tariff plan

Viva presents new “Narrow Band-IoT” tariff plan, based on the technology with the same name. This narrow-band radiofrequency technology is specifically designed for the Internet of Things (IoT). The narrow band IoT network is designed to connect various autonomous devices and equipment to mobile networks. The tariff plan includes 500 MB of Internet traffic for 1000 AMD monthly fee.

International communication standard

NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT) is an international communication standard used by smart devices. It enables control, connection, and data acquisition. Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, BT, and many other leading companies and organizations use the NB-IoT standard for a variety of Internet of Things applications.

Narrowband IoT can be used to interact with smart devices in a wide range of economic and infrastructure management sectors, and is an integral part of digital transformation. In such systems, devices either send and receive data on their own or can do so at the user's command. Automation of the process reduces the cost of monitoring and testing equipment and provides more useful information. The tariff plan is intended primarily for those who need to monitor various measuring devices and receive data from sensors, although the scope of application is much wider.

The NB-IоT technology is used in a wide range of industries, including:

Environmental protection for monitoring such as the measurement of the level of air pollution, temperatures, etc.;

Energy sector to control and optimize water, gas, and energy resources;

Creation of smart cities, including lighting, setting up smart systems of waste removal, parking, creation of smart stops, analysis of the condition sewage/drainage systems;

Security and ensuring of safety in alarm systems, including controlling entrances/exits, access of persons to guarded facilities, etc.;

Housing and utility services to ensure automated data collection of gas, water, heat consumption, timely identification of emergencies, including leakages, etc.;

Agriculture for remote soil condition analysis, smart irrigation and more.

What is the advantage of NB-IoT network?

Power Efficiency: NB-IoT devices can operate for a long time on a single battery thanks to Power Saving Mode (PSM) and Extended Standby Modes (eDRX).

Wide Coverage: This technology provides good coverage in hard-to-reach areas such as underground facilities or rural areas. It uses a narrow frequency band (180 kHz), which allows for better signal penetration and a larger coverage area.

Low Device Cost: Due to the simplified device architecture for NB-IoT, they are cheaper to manufacture compared to devices using other data transmission technologies.

Small Data Volumes: NB-IoT supports the transmission of small amounts of data, which makes it ideal for use in applications such as sensors, meters, smart devices, and other IoT solutions.

Integration with existing networks: NB-IoT can operate in the LTE spectrum, allowing mobile operators to implement it without the need to build new infrastructure. The technology can be used both in dedicated bands and as a reformed LTE spectrum.

“The NB-IoT network is Viva's next innovation in the Internet of Things field. The Company's tariff plan designed exclusively for this technology intends to boost Armenia's development in the fields of IoT and digital technologies. The increased demand for IoT technologies in our country is entirely consistent with international trends. Viva strengthens its positions in new market sectors, and also contributes significantly to Armenia's digital evolution, which expands economic opportunities and improves quality of life,” Viva's General Director Armen Avetisian noted.

NB-IօT’s advantages are energy saving, network capacities, relatively low price of equipment, better signal penetration in places with difficult access (tunnels, dungeons, or rural areas), allowing for connection of a wide variety of devices, etc.

Viva has been developing its own NB-IoT network in Armenia since 2019. At present, the coverage embraces different parts in Yerevan and the Tavush region.

Viva is also ready to consider requests to provide NB-IoT network coverage in the required area.