How CAT-M connectivity is accelerating environmental monitoring in the UK

The United Kingdom is at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies for environmental monitoring, with IoT connected devices playing a crucial role. And the UK is not alone. According to a report by IoT Analytics, the global IoT market is expected to grow to 27 billion connected IoT devices by 2025, with environmental monitoring being one of the fastest-growing segments [1]. In the UK, CAT-M cellular connectivity is emerging as a game-changer for monitoring our natural resources, particularly in aquatic environments.

CAT-M in action

CAT-M connectivity is enabling a new generation of smart sensors and devices that can be deployed in diverse environments, from coastal waters to urban centers, providing real-time insights into our natural world and helping to address pressing environmental challenges. Here are just a few examples:

Fishing operations

CAT-M connectivity is accelerating sustainable fishing practices in the UK. Pinpoint Earth, a leading environmental technology company, has developed IoT devices that use CAT-M to transmit real-time data on catch quantities and species. This technology helps fishing vessels adhere to quotas and provides valuable data for fisheries management. For example, sensors on fishing nets can automatically count and identify fish species, transmitting this information to a central database for immediate analysis.

Their CAT-M enabled fishing monitoring system has been trialed by several UK fishing fleets. Early results show a 15% improvement in quota adherence and more accurate fish stock assessments.

Water quality monitoring

AquaWatch Solutions is leveraging CAT-M technology to monitor water quality across the UK. Their SWIM-OS (Surface Water Integrated Management Operating System) utilizes IoT sensors connected via CAT-M networks to measure parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity in real-time. This continuous monitoring allows for quick detection of pollution events or algal blooms, enabling faster response times to protect aquatic ecosystems.

Their SWIM-OS platform, powered by CAT-M, has been successfully deployed in several UK water utilities. One utility reported a 30% reduction in pollution incidents after implementing AquaWatch's real-time monitoring system.

Water level monitoring

UDlive's Pixel II sensor exemplifies the power of CAT-M in water level monitoring. This low-cost, easy-to-install device uses CAT-M connectivity to provide accurate water level data for flood prevention and water resource management. With its long battery life and robust design, the Pixel II can be deployed in remote areas to create comprehensive water level monitoring networks across rivers, reservoirs, and coastal areas.

The company's Pixel II sensors have been adopted by several UK councils for flood monitoring. In one case study, a council was able to predict and mitigate a potential flooding event, saving an estimated £500,000 in damage prevention.

Air quality monitoring

While not directly related to water, CAT-M is also being used for air quality monitoring in urban areas. IoT devices equipped with CAT-M modules can measure particulate matter, CO2 levels, and other pollutants, providing valuable data for city planners and health officials.

Benefits of CAT-M connectivity

CAT-M offer a unique blend of attributes that are ideal for cellular IoT environmental monitoring devices. These sensors can leverage cellular networks to transmit critical data while consuming minimal power, making them ideal for long-term deployment in remote or challenging environments. Unlike traditional monitoring methods that often require frequent maintenance or manual data collection, CAT-M devices offer a solution that combines autonomy, reliability, and real-time data capabilities. Key CAT-M advantages for environmental monitoring includes:

• Long battery life: Devices can operate for months or even years on a single charge. For instance, UDlive's Pixel II boasts an 8+ year battery life, reducing maintenance needs and costs.
• Daily check-ins: CAT-M devices can be programmed to transmit data once a day or more frequently if needed, balancing data freshness with power conservation.
• Wide coverage: CAT-M networks provide excellent coverage, even in remote areas where other cellular technologies might struggle.
• Low power consumption: The power-efficient nature of CAT-M allows for smaller, more discreet devices that can be easily deployed in sensitive environments.

CAT-M enables new possibilities for future environmental monitoring

Looking ahead, CAT-M connectivity promises to enable even more sophisticated environmental monitoring:

1. Integrated ecosystems: Networks of CAT-M devices could create comprehensive environmental monitoring systems, linking air, water, and land data for holistic ecosystem management.
2. Predictive analytics: With consistent, long-term data collection enabled by CAT-M, AI models could be developed to predict environmental changes and potential hazards with greater accuracy.
3. Citizen science: Low-cost, CAT-M enabled devices could empower citizens to participate in environmental monitoring, creating dense, community-driven data networks.

CAT-M connectivity is proving to be a powerful tool in the UK's environmental monitoring arsenal. By enabling long-term, low-maintenance, and wide-coverage data collection, it's helping us understand and protect our natural resources like never before. As this technology continues to evolve and integrate with other innovations, we can look forward to more precise, comprehensive, and responsive environmental management strategies in the years to come.

Hologram is your connectivity partner in the UK

Environmental monitoring projects have unique challenges - connectivity, power conservation, and reliability to name just a few. Hologram has you covered.

• All four UK networks

Unlike competitors with limited carrier partnerships, Hologram provides non-steered access to EE, O2, Vodafone, and Three. This comprehensive coverage ensures devices always connect to the strongest available signal regardless of location—vital for deployments that span urban centers, industrial zones, and rural areas throughout the United Kingdom.

• Dual core redundancy

Hologram's Outage Protection SIM technology delivers two independent connectivity profiles on a single SIM. If the primary mobile core experiences an outage, devices automatically switch to the backup core within minutes, maintaining crucial connectivity. This redundancy is contractually guaranteed with a 99.95% uptime SLA, providing peace of mind for critical IoT applications.

• Dedicated UK support

With regional expertise and local support staff, Hologram offers UK-specific guidance on network coverage, regulatory compliance, and deployment best practices. This support includes customized troubleshooting for UK-based connectivity challenges.

• Robust tooling for engineers

Hologram provides a comprehensive developer experience with a complete cellular connectivity management platform. Engineering teams gain access to real-time fleet analytics, programmatic device management through robust APIs, automated alerts for anomalous device behavior, and simplified testing workflows that streamline deployment.

Get started today

By leveraging our expertise in cellular IoT, your environmental monitoring projects can benefit from a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective connectivity solution that maximizes the potential of CAT-M technology in preserving and managing the UK's natural resources.