Verizon said it’s adding new enhancements to its nationwide Cat M network for IoT products. With the introduction of voice functionalities, Verizon’s network is able to support a broad base of IoT products with enhanced features.

First introduced in March 2017, Verizon’s Cat M network provides scale, coverage and security for customers seeking wireless access products for IoT products. The Cat M network is now capable of providing voice access and will serve applications using fixed IoT voice services, such as alarm panels with communications components. Mobile voice service is enabled through a feature called Connected Mode Mobility (CMM), currently being deployed with expected completion within September. CMM improves data transfers and handoffs, allowing for seamless transitions when using mobile voice or latency sensitive data.

With the completed deployment of CMM, Verizon’s Cat M network will support IoT products requiring less power, extended battery life, and either fixed or mobile voice connectivity. These new features provide another layer of options for IoT products on the operator’s wireless network.