LTE Cat M has several important benefits over higher category LTE and LPWAN technologies. The simple radio design means that OEM hardware vendors can offer more cost-competitive hardware. Low bandwidth Cat M devices has access to the carrier’s lower priced data plan tiers. LTE Cat M uses less power, making it ideal for battery powered applications. LTE Cat M has significantly improved coverage gain which gives it improved in building penetration. Finally, compared to LoRaWAN or other LPWAN technologies which require additional gateways, LTE Cat M connects to pre-existing carrier towers.