Cellular IoT NB-IoT vs LTE-M Choice for Smart Metering
Overview
What this challenge is about.
Define 6 evaluation axes: indoor / basement coverage (MCL / Maximum Coupling Loss target), battery life (15-year), data cadence (1 message every 4 hours), mobility (static), MNO availability across Movistar / Vodafone / Orange Spain, total cost of ownership over 15 years (device + connectivity + replacement). Score NB-IoT vs LTE-M on each axis with calibrated public data + vendor whitepapers. Design a 90-day pilot covering 500 meters across 3 representative neighbourhoods (dense urban, suburban, rural). Deliver the comparison matrix, a 10-page decision memo, the pilot plan, and a 25-slide deck for the technical director.
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
Choose NB-IoT or LTE-M for a 320,000-meter smart-metering rollout, defending the choice with a 6-axis comparison + a 90-day pilot plan.
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Compare NB-IoT vs LTE-M on coverage, power, and cost axes
- Model 15-year total cost of ownership for a cellular-IoT deployment
- Design a multi-environment pilot that validates the right risks
- Defend a long-cycle infrastructure decision to a non-RF technical director
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
Each one shows up on your verified credential.
Careers
Roles this prepares you for.
Real titles. Real skill bridges. Pick the one closest to your trajectory.
Product Manager
Product managers who can co-author cellular-IoT technology comparisons run procurement processes engineering trusts — a senior PM signal in any IoT-adjacent role.
This challenge sharpens
- tco-modeling
- pilot-design
- cellular-iot