The Vodafone operator has deployed a specific network for the Internet of Things (IoT) in all the provincial capitals of Spain and their surroundings. In total, it has installed more than 15,782 Nb-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things) network sites. These will provide connection to more than 7.5 million active IoT lines.
The base stations of the Nb-IoT network that Vodafone has placed in each Spanish provincial capital are capable of connecting more than 100,000 connected devices. Both about the city itself and its immediate surroundings. The difference with conventional networks is that they do so without negatively affecting data download and upload speeds.
In addition, the specific network for IoT reduces latencies or delays. According to Vodafone’s calculations, they will be able to support all the IoT lines that the operator has active, which currently number 7.5 million.
However, the network locations that the telecommunications company has implemented in Spain not only improve the connection of IoT devices. They also represent a technological advance in various sectors and will help their economy, productivity and efficiency.
Implications in the agricultural sector
Vodafone explains that IoT connectivity has a large presence in the agricultural sector. For example, connected sensors are used to monitor soil moisture, weather conditions and crop growth. Thanks to the use of this technology, farmers can efficiently manage resources, such as water and fertilizers. These sensors are key to increasing performance while reducing costs.
Within Spain, Vodafone highlights the installation of IoT sensors in Laguna Primera in Palos de la Frontera with CEPSA. With this project, the operator and the oil company try to prevent fires. On the other hand, Vodafone has also worked on the installation of more than one million automatic electricity and water meters with Aqualia. In this case, the objective is to digitalize the management of the water cycle. With the new base stations of the Nb-IoT network in the Spanish provinces, the results of these projects will be better.
Improvements in the field of health
Another aspect in which improving the connection of Vodafone’s IoT devices will be key is health. There are connected wearable devices that monitor patient health data in real time. These help health professionals do their job, since they are capable of continuous monitoring of chronic pathologies. Likewise, IoT tools also provide more personalized attention, reducing costs in the health system and providing a better quality of life.
Vodafone highlights the agreement they signed with the Barcelona Health Hub (BHH) in this regard. The collaboration aims to revolutionize medical care with cutting-edge technology in Spain. In addition, IoT devices are effective for care and social and assistance services.
Optimization in urban mobility
With the specific network for the Internet of Things, Vodafone could also boost the digital transformation in interurban mobility. The operator gives the example of the IoT sensors that they have placed in smart pedestrian crossings in Rota (Cádiz). Thanks to these, they can manage mobility in a safer and more efficient way. In addition, the sensors generate real-time data on environmental and noise pollution.
Another use of IoT technology is the optimization of logistics and transportation. Vodafone explains that, in this sense, connected devices can monitor fleets in real time, providing greater security and controlling the status of the transported goods.
