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LTE Cat 0 is a low-complexity category for LTE devices, introduced in 3GPP Release 12 for machine-type communications. It specifies peak uplink and downlink rates of up to 1 Mbps, a single receive chain, and half-duplex operation. It is part of LTE, but it is not another name for LTE-M or NB-IoT.
What does LTE Cat 0 mean?
“Cat” means user equipment (UE) category: a defined set of radio capabilities for a device communicating with an LTE network. Category 0 was introduced in Release 12 as part of work on lower-complexity LTE for machine-type communications (MTC), including devices sending low volumes of data that can tolerate delays.
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The aim was to simplify the device radio and reduce power consumption compared with fuller LTE capabilities. 3GPP describes the Release 12 introduction as setting performance requirements to reduce complexity and power consumption (3GPP, “Low cost m2m over LTE”).
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What are LTE Cat 0’s key capabilities?
- Peak data rate: Up to 1 Mbps in both uplink and downlink. This is a specified peak capability, not a promise of the speed a device will achieve on a live network.
- Receive chain: One receive chain, simplifying the receiver compared with Cat 1’s two.
- Duplex mode: Half-duplex. The device does not transmit and receive at the same time.
These characteristics are summarized in the GSMA’s technical overview of low-power wide-area technologies (GSMA, 2016) and the ITU-R’s Recommendation M.2012-7 (February 2026 edition).
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- CERTIFIED FOR MAJOR U.S. CARRIERS & DUAL SIM: Specifically designed for North America (LTE Cat 4 - Model FQ38). It is fully compatible and certified with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Equipped with a Dual SIM card slot, it supports seamless Link Failover-if your primary carrier loses signal, it instantly switches to the backup carrier to ensure Always-on connectivity. (Note: SIM cards and data plans are not included)
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How is Cat 0 different from Cat 1?
Cat 1 is a useful comparison because it is also LTE, but has higher specified peak rates and a less restricted radio configuration. The figures below are category capabilities, not guaranteed real-world throughput.
| LTE category | Peak downlink | Peak uplink | Receive chains | Duplex mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat 0 | Up to 1 Mbps | Up to 1 Mbps | 1 | Half-duplex |
| Cat 1 | Up to 10 Mbps | Up to 5 Mbps | 2 | Full-duplex |
GSMA reports these differences in its comparison of LTE categories (GSMA, 2016). Cat 0’s lower peak rates and simpler radio profile fit lower-data-rate applications; they do not establish that every Cat 0 product or deployment is cheaper than Cat 1.
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- SIM7670G LTE Cat-1/GNSS HAT, with Standard Pi 40PIN GPIO extension header, compatibe with Raspberry Pi series boards. Support Global Multi Band of LTE Cat-1---LTE Cat-1: Up To 5Mbps (Uplink) / Up To 10Mbps (Downlink)
- Supports Dial-up on Windows/Linux---Supports connecting to Windows PC, Raspberry Pi, or other Linux industrial devices via USB interface for LTE Cat-1 networking and extending USB ports
- Supports GNSS positioning---Supports GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou positioning
- Support Waveshare.cloud ---provides tutorial and demo for quick start of smart IoT solutions, with large-screen Data Visualization display to meet various application scenarios
- Application Example---provides multiple networking demos with Waveshare.cloud, using the lightweight MQTT protocol to achieve data visualization service
Is Cat 0 the same as LTE-M or NB-IoT?
No. Cat 0 is a Release 12 LTE UE category. Cat-M1 (commonly called LTE-M) and NB-IoT are distinct, later cellular IoT technologies associated with Release 13, with their own radio design changes. Cat-M1 narrows device bandwidth; NB-IoT is designed around much narrower bandwidth. The labels are not interchangeable, even though all are relevant to cellular machine-type or IoT communications. See the GSMA’s technology overview for the distinction (GSMA, 2016).
When does Cat 0 fit an application?
Consider the workload rather than choosing by category name alone. Cat 0’s profile is relevant when an LTE-connected device needs modest data rates and can use half-duplex communication. For an implementation decision, compare the application’s data volume and delay tolerance with the device’s documented radio capabilities.
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- Connected via pogo pin or MicroUSB connector Dedicated pogo pin for Raspberry Pi Zero/Zero W MicroUSB connector for other Raspberry Pi boards or PC
- Incorporates SIM7600G-H global band 4G module, compatible with 2G/3G/4G network with global support. USB HUB connector for other Raspberry Pi boards or PC, providing USB extension and 4G network access
- Supports dial-up, telephone call, SMS, TCP, UDP, DTMF, HTTP, FTP, etc. Supports GPS, BeiDou, Glonass, LBS base station positioning
- SIM card slot, supports 1.8V/3V SIM card. Onboard audio jack and audio decoder for making telephone call
- 2x LED indicators, easy to monitor the operating status. Control via AT commands (3GPP TS 27.007, 27.005, and V.25TER command set)
- Check the specific module’s stated category, supported frequency bands, and other radio requirements in its product documentation.
- Confirm that a local operator supports the device’s bands and the relevant technology where it will be used.
- Do not infer Cat 0 support from a product being described simply as an LTE modem; require explicit documentation.
The cited standards and technical overviews explain category characteristics; they do not establish current operator support in a particular location or compatibility of a particular module.
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- Part Number: SIM7080G Cat-M/NB-IoT HAT (EN)
- NB-IoT/Cat-M(eMTC)/GNSS HAT for Raspberry Pi, Based on SIM7080G, Globally Applicable, Standard Raspberry Pi 40PIN GPIO extension header, supports Raspberry Pi series boards, Supports communication protocols such as TCP/UDP/HTTP/HTTPS/TLS/DTLS/PING/LWM2M/COAP/MQTT, Supports GNSS positioning (GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, and Galileo)
- This is a telecommunication HAT which features multi communication functionalities: NB-IoT (NarrowBand-Internet of Things), Cat-M (aka eMTC, enhanced Machine Type Communication), and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System).
- With the developing of telecommunication technology LTE, 2G/3G networks are fading away, the future world would be dominated by IoT technologies consisting of low bandwidth NB-IoT/Cat-M and high bandwidth 4G/5G standards.
- This HAT supports global bands of NB-IoT and Cat-M, as well as positioning function. Due to its advantages like small size, low delay, and wide coverage, it is the ideal choice for IoT applications such as intelligent instruments, asset tracking, remote monitoring, e-health, and so on.
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- Semi-ruggedized
- NetCloud SASE Secure Connect included
- Compact 4G LTE router
- Embedded Cat 6 LTE Modem
- Compatible with Private Cellular
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