The network will support CAT-M1 and NB-IoT devices and allow businesses to gain from applications with low power consumption which help prolong the devices’ battery life and provide deeper wireless coverage and multiple connections.

Singtel says it will also harness its cyber-security expertise to support businesses in implementing secure and reliable IoT solutions.

Diomedes Kastanis, head of IoT at Singtel, said: “IoT will play a key role in realising Singapore’s Smart Nation Vision and we are committed to working with our partners to address the growing demand for IoT services both in the enterprise and consumer space.

"With our Singtel IoT Innovation Lab and our capability to quickly introduce new services, we will bring industry-leading IoT and 5G innovation to businesses and consumers. These leading-edge technologies will enable Singaporeans to seamlessly manage all their devices at the tip of their fingers.”

Singtel and Ericsson recently signed a deal to set up the Singtel IoT Innovation Lab to facilitate IoT deployments and the development of a local IoT ecosystem for enterprises and consumers.

As more partners join the lab, Singtel says it aims to reduce the time to market for new services, remove technological barriers and redefine existing business models.

Singtel’s IoT network also offers a universal connected life management application that enables any device or service to interact with one another - at home, work or on the move - regardless of the service provider or technology.

The open connectivity platform allows for easy and manageable data sharing among family and friends, including on-the-go tracking for safety and security.

The company said it had been exploring IoT usage since 2016 with local companies and large corporations across environmental sensing, asset tracking, waste management and monitoring of medicine consumption.

Trials have been conducted with several partners including bike-sharing company Mobike, smart metering solutions provider EDMI Limited and modem chip maker SIMCom Wireless Solutions.

Martin Wiktorin, head of Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines, Ericsson, said: “The launch of the Singtel IoT Innovation Lab will help boost the IoT ecosystem in Singapore. Ericsson is bringing its extensive ecosystem partners, comprising devices, security and applications to work on opportunities together with Singtel.”

Ericsson partners like Fortinet, Arrow Electronics, Trevis Technology and Aecus Asia Consulting will also be part of the lab.