Panasonic and Vodafone Connecting Home Devices Using Narrowband-IoT

• Pilot project with Vodafone to support with first trials of Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT), a Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) wireless technology
• First tests to explore low bandwidth functionality for remote control and maintenance of Panasonic products such as air-conditioners
• NB-IoT will enable home appliances to easily connect for more enriching experiences and services

Berlin, Germany, 2018-08-29 – Panasonic Corporation and Vodafone today announced they have agreed to collaborate on a pilot experiment aimed at realising IoT-based home appliances utilising Narrowband-IoT (NB-IoT), a Low-Power Wide-Area (LPWA) technology. The two companies plan to start evaluation tests with NB-IoT-enabled home appliances, which are scheduled to take place in Frankfurt, Germany, starting this autumn.

As the world becomes more connected, the Internet of Things (IoT) is starting to play an increasingly important role. Some of the most promising applications for IoT need a wireless connectivity option that can deliver coverage to devices underground or are capable of operating for long periods using only battery power.

The new industry standard of wireless technologies gaining attention in many sectors as best suited for enabling long-distance and low power communication and for which Vodafone has already provided service is NB-IoT. Connected home appliances using NB-IoT technologies would allow users to connect their devices to cloud services, using a cellular network, simply via plug and play.

The joint project with Vodafone kicks off with testing Panasonic products such as air-conditioners, and exploring low bandwidth functionality for remote control and maintenance. Panasonic and Vodafone plan further testing to evaluate the successful incorporation of NB-IoT technology into a variety of Panasonic consumer appliances.

Panasonic is also going to start a pilot experiment for IoT home appliances using LPWA networks in Japan in cooperation with Japan’s leading mobile operator from this autumn.

By connecting home appliances using LPWA technology, Panasonic and Vodafone plan to create new experiences and values for customers in the IoT era.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B businesses. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the company has expanded globally and now operates 591 subsidiaries and 88 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of Euro 61.4 billion for the year ended March 31, 2018. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global.