How can I test NB-IoT in Western Canada?

[Peter]

Hello,

I'm in Western Canada (Victoria BC) and I have the Thingy:91.  There is no NB-IoT here however I can connect to LTE.  How should I test NB-IoT?  Is my only option to travel to somewhere that has NB-IoT coverage?

Thanks!

[awneil]

Peter said:

Is my only option to travel to somewhere that has NB-IoT coverage

Yes.

Obviously, you can't test any technology in an area where that technology is not deployed!

Are there are test facilities near by?

[Hung Bui]

Hi, 

I think travel to the place that has NB-IOT coverage is the only easy option. Other options (which is not quite straight forward) are: 

- Buy test equipment that simulates the signal like what we have in our Finland facility, this can cost a few hundred thousand dollars (I don't have the actual number).

- Send your Thingy91 to a location that has coverage. You may need to remote control the PC connects to it. 

- Talk to the carrier, they may enable the coverage at the single tower at your area. 

[awneil]

Hung Bui said:

Talk to the carrier, they may enable the coverage at the single tower at your area

Unless you're a major corporate customer, I think that's extremely unlikely!

A more likely option is to speak to carriers to see if they have any test facility that you can visit

https://www.vodafone.com/business/news-and-insights/press-release/huawei-and-vodafone-announce-opening-of-worlds-first-narrowband-iot-open-lab

https://www.gsma.com/iot/deployment-map/#labs

Also see if you have any government / industry / academic facilities; eg, we have

https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/projects/future-networks-lab/