Low power wide area (LPWA) networks are a class of wireless networks that can be used for IoT applications where cellular might not be an option or where the IoT application has certain requirements that better fit LPWA networks. The use and connectivity of LPWA networks are set to rise!
Cellular IoT networks are a great option for myriad Internet of Things (IoT) use cases, but at times, non-cellular technologies are required or are more desirable.With over 20 years of experience and more than 20 million global connections, KORE helps businesses like Stedin and eDevice scale LPWA and cellular IoT with proven, reliable solutions. KORE has been at the forefront of LPWA and cellular IoT connectivity, supporting innovators across industries with cutting-edge technology and comprehensive global coverage.
Benefits of LPWA Networks
LPWA wireless networks use low-power, long-range radio modems to communicate with IoT devices where existing cellular services are either not available or have poor coverage, such as:
- Rural areas
- Certain buildings
- Where environmental concerns or government policies do not permit cellular connectivity
- Remote locations with poor coverage
- Difficult-to-reach areas that make it difficult to install cellular towers
LPWA networks are also useful for applications that require low-power batteries, such as smart home devices and wearables.
Additionally, these networks can be used when other forms of connectivity are too expensive or impractical. For example, they may be preferable if you want to transmit data over long distances without incurring high costs from traditional networks like 4G LTE or Wi-Fi hotspots (which have limited capacity).
Many LPWA networks use unlicensed frequencies so they don’t require a license from the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) like cellular operators do — this means there’s no need for expensive spectrum licenses or complex network infrastructure consisting of towers and cell sites across entire cities.
Different LPWANs have different ranges and data rates and are better suited to different types of smart devices. The range and data rates of each LPWAN vary. For example, LoRaWAN has a longer range than Sigfox but can only transmit at a maximum speed of 880 bits per second (bps).
The Various Applications of LPWA Networks
LPWA networks can be used to connect low-energy devices (e.g., smart cameras), sensors, and meters to each other and the internet. Because of its long range, it can connect devices across wide areas, even when there are obstructions, such as large buildings or when devices are underground.
One of the main advantages of LPWA technology is its very low power consumption compared with other types of networks, such as cellular networks or Wi-Fi. This makes it ideal for use in IoT applications where battery life is an important factor for device design and operation.
These networks are used in many different industries including energy, healthcare and agriculture. Low power wide area networks have an advantage over traditional wireless networks due to their low power and long range.In the energy sector, Dutch grid operator Stedin has deployed over 1.7 million smart meters using LTE-M and KORE’s eSIM technology. This large-scale deployment supports long device lifecycles, remote management, and improves grid reliability by detecting faults and reducing electricity fraud — while also future-proofing connectivity against network sunsets.
Read more in their case study.
The Various Types of LPWA Networks
The first LPWA was deployed in 2012 by Sigfox, and since then there has been a lot of development in this space.
Sigfox was the first LPWA deployed, and since then there has been a lot of development in this space. Sigfox was followed by LoRaWAN networks, which the LoRa Alliance operates. LoRA stands for Low Power and Long Range and operates in the unlicensed spectrum. Customer can deploy their own LoRaWAN network or leverage a public LoRaWAN network.LoRa is one of the most popular LPWA technologies and is implemented through the LoRaWAN protocol. While LPWA refers to the broader category of low power wide area networks, LoRaWAN is a specific standard that uses LoRa modulation to provide long-range, low-power communication.
The next generation of LPWA is LTE-M, or Cat M1, and NB-IoT, which allows transmission speeds up to 500 kbit/s. These networks operate in the licensed spectrum and are offered by mobile carriers.
NB-IoT is a 4G standard that follows LTE Cat M1, which has been around since 2016. Both standards are designed for low power wide areas.
Other LPWA technologies have also been developed for more specialized use cases or specific regions. These include:
- MIoTy, designed for large-scale industrial deployments
- Weightless, an open standard that supports low-power, long-range communication
- Wi-SUN, often used in smart utilities and public infrastructure
- Wize, based on Wireless M-Bus and used in water and gas metering
- DASH7, used in logistics and supply chain tracking
- RPMA, which supports wide coverage in dense urban areas
- ELTRES, developed by Sony for long-distance communication at high speeds
- Wi-Fi HaLow (802.11ah), a low-power version of Wi-Fi with longer range
These options aren’t as widely deployed as LoRaWAN, Sigfox, NB-IoT, or LTE-M, but they serve specific needs depending on the environment or application.
Cellular vs Non-Cellular LPWA
Cellular LPWA Networks
How they work: Cellular LPWA networks, such as NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) and LTE-M (LTE Cat-M1), leverage existing cellular infrastructure, meaning they utilize mobile network towers, base stations, and protocols developed for mobile networks.
Use cases: Since they are operator-controlled, they provide robust features like device management, billing, and support, which makes them ideal for business-critical applications such as fleet management, smart metering, and asset tracking. Cellular LPWA networks also enable global roaming, making them suitable for international deployments.
Coverage: These networks provide extensive coverage, especially in urban areas, thanks to the global reach of cellular operators. They are built on cellular standards, allowing for integration with existing mobile infrastructure, which ensures high levels of security, scalability, and reliability.
Advantages: The main advantages of cellular LPWA networks include extensive coverage, both in urban and rural areas, and strong security due to operator-controlled infrastructure.
Disadvantages: They may have higher costs compared to non-cellular networks, as they require a subscription to a mobile operator’s services, including SIM cards and associated fees. These networks also tend to have slightly higher power consumption compared to non-cellular LPWA networks, though still much lower than traditional cellular networks. Additionally, because cellular networks rely on mobile operators, there may be limitations in certain remote regions where coverage is sparse or non-existent.
Clarification: LPWA vs LTE
The two aren’t opposing network types, but rather LPWA network technology can be applied to LTE networks. Traditional LTE networks provide high-speed data and voice services for phones. LTE-M and NB-IoT are LPWA technologies made for low-power, low-bandwidth IoT devices, that also host high throughput, such as large data transfers. . They offer longer battery life and better coverage but have lower data speeds. Learn the difference between LTE-M and NB-IoT here.
For example,Hhealthcare provider eDevice partnered with KORE to deliver remote patient monitoring solutions using LTE-M. This deployment required secure, reliable connectivity to meet stringent U.S. healthcare standards and demonstrates how cellular LPWA can support high-compliance, mission-critical applications.
Read more in their case study.
Non-Cellular LPWA Networks
How they work: Non-cellular LPWA networks, such as LoRaWAN, Sigfox, and Weightless, operate independently of cellular infrastructure, typically using unlicensed spectrum or private network deployments.
Use cases: IoT applications that require long-range, low-power connections such as smart city infrastructure, industrial automation, or asset tracking. They specifically achieve low-power communication and short-range hops between base stations or access points without operator services. The use of unlicensed spectrum allows for more flexible and cost-effective deployment, especially in private networks.
Coverage: Coverage in non-cellular LPWA networks can be limited to specific regions depending on the infrastructure, but in areas where deployed, such as rural or remote locations, these networks can cover large geographic areas with minimal infrastructure, reducing the cost of connectivity. They are often used in smart agriculture, smart cities, and environmental monitoring where low-cost, long-range communication is key.
Advantages: The primary advantage of non-cellular LPWA networks lies in their lower costs due to the use of unlicensed spectrum and the absence of mobile operator dependencies. They are also highly energy-efficient, making them ideal for battery-powered IoT devices that need to run for extended periods.
Disadvantages: Non-cellular LPWA networks may suffer from limited coverage, especially in less populated or underserved areas, as the network infrastructure is not as extensive as cellular networks. Additionally, security can be a concern, as non-cellular networks generally lack the robust encryption and security features of operator-controlled cellular networks. These networks also have limited global reach and may require multiple, region-specific deployments to achieve broader coverage.
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Updated September 12, 2025.