LTE-M
LTE-M is a low-power LTE bearer for machines, with handover and optional voice that NB-IoT lacks, plus more throughput.
Definitions only — a term explained here is not a service we sell.
LTE-M is a 3GPP Release 13 low-power bearer that runs in a 1.4 MHz slice of an LTE carrier. It supports cell handover and optional voice, with more throughput than NB-IoT and less than Cat-1 bis.
Availability is per operator and per band, so a supported module still needs a network that has deployed it.
Where it fits
Trackers, wearables, medical devices and moving assets are the typical loads. Devices that need firmware updates, two-way control or handover between cells use the extra capability. NB-IoT suits static, deep-indoor payloads; Cat-1 bis is often cheaper where a tracker needs more bandwidth.
LTE-M beside the other bearers
| LTE-M beside the other bearers | NB-IoT | LTE-M | Cat-1 bis | Cat-4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobility | No handover | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Peak rate (theoretical) | ~26/66 kbps (Cat-NB1) | ~1 Mbps (Cat-M1) | 10/5 Mbps | 150/50 Mbps |
| Battery priority | Highest | High | Medium | Low |
| Voice | No | Optional | No | VoLTE |
Text description
NB-IoT has no handover and no voice. LTE-M adds both, with voice optional through VoLTE. Peak rates run from roughly tens of kbps for NB-IoT (Cat-NB1) to about 1 Mbps for Cat-M1, per 3GPP TS 36.306; real throughput is lower. Battery priority falls as the rate and capability rise.
What to check
Confirm the operator's bands and roaming rules, then check the module's band support and power-save timers. Ask how the network treats a device that moves between tracking areas, and whether the session survives. Cellular bearers compared sets out the trade-offs.