LTE Cat 1 is a cellular communication standard for Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) use cases. LTE Cat 1 bis is an evolved version of LTE Cat 1, with the major difference being that it has one antenna instead of two.
Across 3GPP’s releases, you’ll find various methods for delivering connectivity: Cat 1, Cat 4, Cat 1 bis, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and RedCap, to name a few.
There are features of each standard that affect your design decisions when developing M2M and IoT devices, and making the right choice is critical.
In this blog, we’ll focus on defining LTE Cat 1 bis and where it fits in the pantheon.
Topics covered:
A short history of LTE Cat 1
Let’s break down the definition of LTE Cat 1 bis first.
“LTE” means Long Term Evolution, the set of standards that applies mostly to 4G networks – with a roadmap for their development agreed by the standards-setting consortium 3GPP.
LTE is not 5G, nor does 5G “replace” LTE: the technologies often work side-by-side on the world’s mobile networks and will continue to do so for some time.
The Cat 1 part defines a cellular technology that’s ideal for IoT with plenty of bandwidth (10 Mbps download / 5 Mbps upload) for the typically small data requirements of IoT applications, but also relatively low-power draw (most IoT devices are reliant on batteries).
Cat 1 was laid out in 3GPP’s Release 8 specification (way back in 2008!).
What is LTE Cat 1 bis?
LTE Cat 1 bis is a network technology for cellular IoT, with IoT’s specific device requirements in mind. LTE Cat 1 bis was formally specified in 3GPP Release 13 in 2016.
LTE Cat 1 bis (also written as LTE cat 1bis, LTE cat-1 bis, or LTE cat1 bis) is a recent update of Cat 1 that provides the same abilities with only a single antenna (instead of two).
The Cat 1 bis update simplifies device design, reduces PCB size, and lowers Bill of Material (BoM) costs, which helps enhance market opportunities for IoT devices using this standard.
And because Cat 1 bis doesn’t require a specific signaling, this allows any single-antenna CAT-1 device to function on any CAT-1 network. What this means for IoT applications is enhanced compatibility and deployment flexibility.
But what does the “bis” in Cat 1 bis stand for? It’s not an acronym, but a bit of Latin that means “second time around.”
LTE Cat 1 bis devices
IoT devices leveraging LTE Cat 1 bis often don’t need to exchange huge volumes of data (your smart meter can work with just kilobytes a month) but they do need to stay switched on for long periods and use as little power as possible.
But one of the most notable features of Cat 1 bis is that it only has one antenna.
LTE Cat 1 bis modules
Here are some LTE Cat 1 bis modules available in the market as of time of writing:
- Quectel: EG800Q series, EG915Q series, EG915Q-NA Mini PCIe, EG916Q-GL
- SIMCom: A7683E, A7676E
LTE Cat 1 bis vs. Cat 1
For many years, it’s been normal for devices (like cellphones) to have at least two receivers called “primary” and “diversity”.
Why? Because a single device may need to connect to different networks over the course of a day for both continuity and quality of service.
And LTE Cat 1 follows this logic, requiring two antennas.
IoT devices are increasingly small, operating on small batteries (or even no battery) and doing lower-bandwidth but high-uptime jobs like passing on sensor data. They’re simpler machines and need to stay operational in harsh and hard-to-reach environments.
So, the design update of LTE Cat 1 bis—its requirement to work with only one antenna, not two—is a huge plus.
In short, LTE Cat 1 bis does the same thing as LTE Cat 1, but does it better.
Technical highlights: LTE Cat 1 bis vs. Cat 1
| Feature | LTE Cat 1 bis | LTE Cat 1 |
|---|---|---|
| 3GPP Release | Rel 13 | Rel 8 |
| Bandwidth | Up to 20 MHz | Up to 20 MHz |
| Duplex mode | FD, TDD | FD, TDD |
| Downlink peak data rate | 10 Mbps | 10 Mbps |
| Uplink peak data rate | 5 Mbps | 5 Mbps |
| Antennas | 1 | 2 |
| Transmission power | 23 dBm | 23 dBm |
| Range (MCL) | 141 dB | 144 dB |
| Power-saving features | eDRX, PSM | eDRX, PSM |
| Voice | Supported | Supported |
| SMS | Supported | Supported |
| Handover | Supported | Supported |
→ Have a look at the broader LTE landscape in this LTE explainer guide
LTE Cat 1 bis technology features
LTE Cat-1 bis offers higher throughput than LTE-M and NB-IoT, making it ideal for applications requiring moderate data rates and global connectivity. While power consumption is higher than Low-Power Wide-Area network (LPWAN) technologies, it provides a balance between performance and efficiency for many IoT deployments.
Here’s a quick feature breakdown of LTE cat 1 bis:
Data rates and bandwidth:
- 10Mbps downlink, 5Mbps uplink
- 20 MHz bandwidth
- Latency under 100ms
Network compatibility:
- Works on existing LTE networks without modifications
- Supports global connectivity and roaming
Single antenna design:
- Reduces device size and footprint
- Improves power efficiency
Power-saving features:
- Supports Power-Saving Mode (PSM) and extended Discontinuous Reception (eDRX)
- Could work for battery-powered applications
Radio access:
- Operates on 4G LTE networks
- Enables roaming
Security:
- Utilizes LTE security capabilities
- Compatible with TCP/TLS secure connections
Mobility:
Communication features:
- Supports voice and moderate video streaming
- SMS capability for device setup and eUICC SIM updates
Why LTE Cat 1 bis is great for IoT
Next, note that LTE Cat 1 bis doesn’t lose any capabilities from the Cat 1 standard. It uses the same infrastructure, works everywhere there’s a 4G/LTE network available, enjoys the same bandwidth, and allows roaming. Below is the breakdown of the benefits of LTE Cat 1 bis.
5 key benefits of LTE Cat 1 bis
1. Good bandwidth
LTE Cat 1 bis is not great for high-throughput and high-power IoT applications (look to 5G instead), but through our experience, the majority of devices in the future will be low-throughput and low-power. We’re talking about massive IoT applications here, such as smart meters, asset tracking, micro-mobility, logistics and transportation, automotive and telematics, and millions of tiny sensors scattered throughout smart cities.
2. Global coverage
LTE Cat 1 bis leverages widely available existing infrastructure, avoiding the delays often seen with the uneven rollouts of LTE-M and NB-IoT (more on these later).
In the words of Henrik Aagaard, CTO and co-founder at Onomondo, “We are huge fans of LTE Cat 1 bis because it is globally deployed.”
IoT devices using LTE Cat 1 bis operate on the same networks as cell phones, benefiting from established roaming agreements. This enables extensive data connectivity.
3. Low cost
The simpler design of LTE Cat 1 bis helps to keep unit prices down, with LTE Cat 1 bis modems and modules cheaper than those utilizing LTE Cat 1. Additionally, LTE Cat 1 bis modem prices are already comparable to the low price points of LTE-M and NB-IoT.
4. Power efficient
One antenna doesn’t only help reduce the size of devices; it also helps optimize power efficiency. Additionally, IoT devices are more and more turning to PSM and eDRX for power optimization. PSM and eDRX are common in NB-IoT and LTE-M networks, but these features can also be used in LTE Cat 1 bis devices.
Cat 1bis devices also work to minimize the active “on” time for data transactions, according to a technical report by Qualcomm.
NB-IoT and LTE-M require 400ms and 40ms respectively to transfer 500 bytes, while Cat 1 bis does this in just 8ms at 500 Kbps throughput. This significantly reduced device “on” time enhances power efficiency for Cat 1 bis devices.
| Cat 1 bis* | LTE-M** | |
|---|---|---|
| Power-Saving Mode (PSM) | 1.7 μA | 1.4 μA |
| eDRX = 81.92 s, PTW = 2.56 s | < 50 μA | 120 μA |
| *Current consumption for Qualcomm® 216 LTE IoT Modem | **Current consumption for Quectel BG770A-GL module |
5. Future-proofing with 2G to 4G transition
As operators shut down 2G and 3G networks, LTE Cat 1 bis is a ready to use alternative that will be able to connect to new 5G core networks once 4G shuts down, meaning LTE Cat 1 bis is here for the long haul. 5G enhanced RedCap (eRedCap) is expected to be used for LTE Cat 1 bis applications going forward, but this is a long way off.
The limitations of LTE cat 1 bis
1. Not enough for high throughput needs
IoT data requirements vary widely. Majority of IoT use cases today have low-data needs with kilobits to hundreds of kilobits per second needs. While not as common, high-data needs devices demand 100-150 Mbps throughput.
For moderate IoT data needs of 1-10 Mbps, or if you have low-data needs but foresee frequent over-the-air (OTA) device updates, LTE cat 1 bis could work in your favor.
2. Slightly less range
LTE Cat 1 bis operates with fewer antennas than its predecessor LTE Cat 1, resulting in about 2.5 to 3 dB less signal strength compared to LTE Cat 1. For a broader perspective on how different cellular technologies stack up, including their range capabilities, check out the comparison table in the next section.
LTE Cat 1 bis use cases
LTE Cat 1 bis is designed to offer a balance between data rate, power consumption, and coverage, making it suitable for a variety of IoT applications that don’t require the ultra-low power or deep penetration capabilities of NB-IoT and LTE-M. It works well in scenarios where moderate data rates and reliable connectivity are essential, but the device power consumption is still manageable.
Here are some of the best use cases for LTE Cat 1 bis for IoT:
- Asset tracking: Monitoring the location, status, and condition of vehicles or assets in transit in real-time to improve tracking efficiency.
- Smart meters: Gas, water, and electricity meters that need to send usage data at regular intervals and for monitoring and managing utility infrastructure remotely.
- Mobile retail and payment solutions: Devices that need reliable connectivity for transactions and inventory management such as vending machines and Point of Sale (POS) terminals that require moderate data throughput for updates and user interactions.
- Security systems: Security alarms and monitoring systems that require reliable communication for alerts and status updates and need to transmit moderate data over cellular networks.
- Industrial IoT: Monitoring and controlling industrial equipment and machinery remotely with data that could also be leveraged to predict equipment failures and schedule maintenance.
- Smart cities: Real-time tracking and management of public infrastructure.
- Consumer electronics: Home appliances that need moderate data rates for remote control and monitoring such as smart home devices like thermostats, lighting systems, and security cameras.
- Telematics: Collecting and transmitting data on vehicle performance, driver behavior, and location. Or for usage-based insurance that monitors driving habits to offer personalized insurance premiums.
LTE Cat 1 bis vs other cellular technologies
In essence, LTE Cat 1 bis allows you to design smaller, simpler, cheaper, global, and less power-hungry devices today. It’s an evolved version of LTE Cat 1, but how does it compare to the IoT / M2M alternatives such as Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) network technologies.
LTE Cat 1 bis and 2G /3G
2G and 3G networks have served IoT well for a long time, but they are steadily being shut down. Of course, plenty of 3G and even 2G networks still exist, and 2G in particular plays happily with the low bandwidth demands of IoT. But with 4G coverage already widespread, operators have already shut down 2G and 3G networks in favor of LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Network) such as NB-IoT and LTE-M.
Keep in mind that the 2G/3G phaseout is happening at different speeds around the world, so it’s vital for global players to have a plan – dual-band modems are one future-proofing strategy.
💡 Use our free tool to see what kind of networks are offered in places where you’ll deploy your devices. See our coverage map to see where 2G, 3G, LTE, NB-IoT, or LTE-M are available. Go to map
LTE Cat 1 bis and LPWAN (LTE-M and NB-IoT)
LTE-M and NB-IoT might look similar to LTE Cat 1 bis because they are subsets of LTE. What they don’t do, however, is use the same standards; NB-IoT uses licensed spectrum below 200 kHz, for example. However, carriers and countries define NB-IoT bands differently, which makes things like roaming impractical. (It’s hard to keep your IoT device lightweight if you need to accommodate lots of bands.)
Continuing to look at LTE-M and NB-IoT, you can still find other drawbacks compared to LTE Cat 1 bis:
- NB-IoT and LTE-M standards require new technology in local networks, and roll-out has been slower than expected.
- Achieving global connectivity requires a patchwork of LTE-M and NB-IoT. Good coverage requires multi-mode devices that cost more and take up more space.
- NB-IoT is not good for mobile devices due to base station (aka cell tower) switching inefficiencies.
An overview of LTE for IoT
Here’s a short comparison of each technology’s standout features based on 3GPP releases and standards.
| Cat 1 | Cat 1 bis | Cat M1 | Cat M2 | Cat NB1 | Cat NB2 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3GPP Release | 8 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 14 |
| Downlink Peak | 10 Mbit/s | 10 Mbit/s | 1 Mbit/s | ~4 Mbit/s | 26 Kbit/s | 127 Kbit/s |
| Uplink Peak | 5 Mbit/s | 5 Mbit/s | 1 Mbit/s | ~7 Mbit/s | 66 Kbit/s (multi-tone) | 159 Kbit/s |
| Range (MCL) | 144 dB | 141 dB | 156 dB | 156 dB | 164 dB | 164 dB |
| Antennas | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Power Saving | eDRX, PSM | eDRX, PSM | eDRX, PSM | eDRX, PSM | eDRX, PSM | eDRX, PSM |
→ Curious to know more about LTE-M and NB-IoT, here’s how these two LPWAN technologies stack up to each other in this comparison guide.
When to use LTE Cat 1 bis: practical applications
Of course, competition is good. But a choice of LTE Cat 1, LTE-M, NB-IoT, and now LTE Cat 1 bis may make it harder for you to make a decision.
Practically speaking, here’s some ways to make the most of LTE Cat 1 bis for your IoT solution.
1. For small devices with moderate data needs, including voice or video data
LTE Cat 1 bis is a suitable choice for a wide range of IoT applications that require more than basic sensor data transmission but do not need the high throughput of more advanced LTE categories.
LTE Cat 1 bis offers higher data throughput compared to LPWAN technologies, enabling more efficient device updates that would otherwise be time-consuming and battery-draining on LPWANs.
2. Battery-powered devices in LPWAN-limited areas
In locations without LPWAN coverage (see LTE-M and NB-IoT coverage maps), LTE Cat 1 bis provides an efficient alternative for battery-powered devices. Its power efficiency with the same power-saving features and smaller form factors make it suitable for long-term deployments, ensuring devices remain operational without frequent battery replacements.
3. 4G with 2G fallback
LTE Cat 1 bis, especially as 2G fallback, is a practical solution for a variety of real-world IoT applications.
Applications with global deployments can be challenging due to varying network availability between the home network and the destination, particularly in remote locations.
There are certain regions where 2G is still available, or 2G is the only thing available. The technology’s ability to roam in regions where only 2G is available ensures that assets remain connected wherever there is a cellular network.
LTE Cat 1 bis also acts as a future-proofing technology, enabling a smooth transition from aging 2G networks to 4G. Businesses currently reliant on 2G can deploy Cat 1 bis devices with 2G fallback and leverage existing infrastructure. As 2G networks are phased out, these devices can seamlessly switch to 4G, ensuring long-term connectivity and maximizing return on investment.
Making sense of competing standards
We’ll lay our cards on the table: while we support multiple standards as a global IoT network operator, we’re huge fans of LTE Cat 1 bis. We believe it’s the right technology for a huge proportion of IoT devices today, and we’d be happy to explain why.
When you work in IoT at scale, going from two antennas to one is a huge design advantage. It keeps your devices simpler, lighter, smaller, and less hungry for watts. Cat 1 bis is different to Cat 1, but uses the same infrastructure and standards, letting you get to market faster.
