LPWA Modules for reliable IoT connectivity
Energy-efficient, long-range solutions for smart and scalable IoT applications
We offer a broad selection of modern LPWA modules from Semtech and Fibocom, including variants such as CAT-M1/NB2/NTN, CAT-M1/NB2, and CAT-M1/NB1. These modules are designed for low-power, long-range, and secure wireless communication—making them ideal for large-scale IoT deployments in sectors such as smart cities, utilities, agriculture, logistics, and industrial automation.
LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) technologies like NB-IoT and LTE-M enable cost-effective connectivity for devices with minimal data requirements and long lifecycle expectations. Applications range from smart meters and waste bins to street lighting, asset trackers, and environmental sensors. Even devices in remote or hard-to-reach areas can now be reliably monitored and controlled with minimal human intervention.
The adoption of LPWA is rapidly accelerating, with billions of devices expected to be connected in the coming years. Early adopters benefit from increased operational insights, improved efficiency, enhanced safety, and significant cost savings.
Explore our range of robust and future-ready LPWA modules by Semtech and Fibocom—designed to meet the growing demands of low-power, high-efficiency IoT.
LPWA technology: scalable and efficient connectivity for massive IoT
LPWA – the foundation of massive, energy-efficient IoT
LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) technologies are specifically developed for connecting large numbers of devices that transmit small amounts of data over long distances – all while consuming very little power.
LPWA provides an ideal solution for use cases where battery life, wide coverage and low operating costs are critical, making it the technology of choice for smart cities, asset tracking, metering, environmental monitoring, agriculture and more.
What makes LPWA unique?
LPWA stands out with its ability to support massive IoT deployments. It enables connectivity in areas where traditional cellular technologies would be too power-hungry or costly. NB-IoT and LTE-M, the two main LPWA standards, ensure deep indoor coverage, long battery life (often up to 10 years), and reliable data transmission even in challenging environments.
Compared to classic LTE or 5G, LPWA modules are less complex, more affordable and tailored to applications with minimal data needs but high durability and resilience requirements.
Future-proof and globally available
LPWA is now supported in most major cellular networks worldwide. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a highly future-proof choice for IoT developers seeking long lifecycle support and low total cost of ownership.
Whether used in smart meters, logistics, building automation or infrastructure monitoring – LPWA modules are driving the next wave of connected devices. With module variants like CAT-M1, NB2 and NB1 – even including NTN support – engineers can scale solutions efficiently across a wide range of environments.
Our LPWA module offering provides dependable, energy-efficient connectivity for a connected future.
FAQs about our LPWA modules for industrial and IoT applications
LPWA FAQs
LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) refers to a group of wireless communication technologies specifically designed for IoT applications with low data volumes. These technologies enable cost-effective and energy-efficient data transmission over long distances.
LPWA technologies provide several benefits, including low energy consumption, extended range, and strong building penetration. These features make them ideal for IoT devices that need to operate over long periods without frequent battery replacements.
LPWA modules can be purchased directly from Acal BFi. We offer a wide range of LTE-M and NB-IoT modules, ideal for low-power IoT applications with limited data requirements. As a technical B2B partner, we provide assistance with selection, integration, and full engineering support.
There are both licensed and unlicensed LPWA technologies. Licensed technologies, such as NB-IoT and LTE-M, use existing mobile networks, while unlicensed technologies, such as LoRaWAN, Sigfox and Mioty, operate on freely available frequency bands and private networks. Licensed LPWA networks are provided by mobile operators and offer high network security, reliable coverage, and better scalability. In contrast, unlicensed technologies are more flexible since they do not rely on mobile infrastructure.
LPWA is used in numerous IoT applications, especially where long-term, energy-efficient connectivity is required. These include smart metering for water, gas, and electricity, asset tracking in logistics and supply chains, environmental monitoring for weather and air quality sensors, and smart city solutions such as connected parking systems and street lighting.
Cellular LPWA (Low-Power Wide-Area) is a class of wireless technologies designed for IoT applications, utilizing existing cellular networks. It offers long-range communication with low power consumption, making it ideal for devices that need to transmit small amounts of data infrequently. Cellular LPWA includes two main standards: LTE-M and NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT), both defined and released by the 3GPP. These technologies provide wide coverage, enhanced security, and global scalability. They enable IoT devices to operate for years on a single battery charge, supporting applications like smart metering, asset tracking, and environmental monitoring. Cellular LPWA overcomes previous obstacles of cost, power consumption, and coverage for widespread IoT adoption.
NB-IoT is optimized for stationary applications with low bandwidth requirements, such as smart metering and sensors that only transmit small amounts of data and is known for its excellent building penetration and extremely low power consumption. LTE-M, on the other hand, supports higher data rates, allows mobility, and is better suited for applications requiring low latency. LTE-M is more suitable for mobile
The battery life depends on the frequency of data transmission and the efficiency of power-saving mechanisms. In many cases, LPWA devices can operate for five to fifteen years, making them particularly attractive for applications with minimal maintenance requirements.
Yes, Cat-1bis can be considered an alternative to Cellular LPWA (NB-IoT and LTE-M) in some use cases, but there are key differences. Cat-1bis is a variant of LTE Cat-1 that allows IoT devices to operate with a single antenna instead of two, reducing costs and power consumption compared to standard Cat-1. It provides higher data rates than NB-IoT and LTE-M (up to 10 Mbps downlink and 5 Mbps uplink), making it suitable for applications requiring more bandwidth, such as video transmission or voice communication. However, Cat-1bis has a higher power consumption than NB-IoT and LTE-M, making it less ideal for ultra-low-power, battery-operated devices. It also does not offer the same deep coverage and penetration advantages as NB-IoT.
Conclusion: Cat-1bis is a good alternative when slightly higher power consumption is acceptable in exchange for better mobility, higher data rates, and global availability. For very low-power, long-battery-life applications, NB-IoT or LTE-M remains the better choice.