(Telecompaper) Verizon has announced plans to support LTE Cat M1 on its mobile network, the new standard for low-power IoT applications. Part of 3GPP Release 13 for LTE-Advanced, Cat M1 requires much less spectrum bandwidth compared to other standards such as Cat 1 and Cat 0. Verizon said it is working closely with chipset, modules and device partners to develop the platform and expects to be the first US operator to launch Cat M1 services later this year. Partners include Altair, Sequans, U-Blox, Telit, Sierra Wireless, Gemalto, Nokia, Ericsson and others. Verizon has already adopted LTE Cat 1 and is developing a core IoT architecture within its 4G network.