China Mobile, Wuxi Post, and Huawei have completed the first field trial of wide-area cellular passive IoT technology in the logistics sector. The project focuses on tracking mail bags during transit, addressing previous challenges with inventory management and reverse logistics.
The trial took place in Wuxi, covering the route from the Yangtze River Delta mail distribution center to the Shuofang delivery branch. The system establishes an end-to-end link between tags, base stations, the core network, and a tracking platform, allowing for real-time monitoring of mail bag locations and status.
The passive IoT tags used in the project do not require batteries and are designed for easy deployment. The technology enables connectivity for previously unconnected equipment by integrating with existing cellular networks. The standardized framework for this technology is currently under development within 3GPP R20, with the standard expected to be finalized in the first half of 2027.
