Global Certification Forum (GCF) and 450 MHz Alliance formalized a new partnership with the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that will see a GCF certification initiative extend to users of the 450 MHz band. The new collaboration means that global wireless carriers, equipment manufacturers and other device manufacturers in the IoT and machine-to-machine vertical markets can eventually have access to a program that provides a level of confidence in interoperability in this spectrum.
 
450 MHz Alliance works with members to grow momentum across the 450 MHz ecosystem, providing a simple entry for operators and manufacturers and unleashing the potential of the spectrum for cellular IoT applications on LTE networks. The extension of the GCF certification program to 450 MHz under the new joint partnership will give stakeholders the benefit of connected reliability through the formalization of compliance with requirements, as well as delivering significant cost efficiency. The confidence in interoperability that a GCF certification program delivers is particularly important for mission and business critical communications operating in this range.

“The evolution of the 380 MHz – 512 MHz spectrum towards LTE is expected to increase quickly, so there has never been a better time to introduce a certification program and deliver confidence in interoperability to all our stakeholders,” said Igor Virker, managing director at 450 MHz Alliance. “By partnering with GCF as the globally recognized quality mark for this within the mobile and IoT industry, we can really help facilitate the successful sustained progress of the 450 MHz ecosystem.”

“Our collaboration with 450 MHz Alliance is a fitting addition to the GCF’s growing suite of certification solutions that are helping to keep the world secure and reliably connected,” said Lars Nielsen, CEO and general manager at GCF. “The 450 MHz spectrum is gaining interest thanks to its suitability for M2M connectivity. The great work that the 450 MHz Alliance is doing to grow and facilitate this will be enhanced with the introduction of a certification program once all the formalities have been finalized.”