Sigfox network coming to SA

31 January 2017 Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT

South Africa is set to become the 26th country to deploy the Sigfox network, as the French company seeks to tap into a local Internet of Things (IoT) market that is projected to be worth more than $2 billion by 2020.

SqwidNet, a wholly owned subsidiary of DFA, will deploy and operate Sigfox’s network nationwide and distribute the IoT connectivity services and solutions to its partner channels.

Currently the world’s largest IoT-dedicated network, Sigfox enables device-to-cloud communications by making it possible for devices to send and receive data over the Internet without the need to manage complex connections or SIM cards, as the network and devices simply listen in and capture specifically formatted radio messages from around the globe, needing something as simple as a silicon chip that might be found in a remote control. Sigfox solutions enable devices to consume so little energy that the company envisions batteries becoming redundant and energy harvesting solutions becoming the means to power data transmission.

The roll-out of the network in South Africa will initially be in the key metros starting with Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, with full national coverage to be completed by 2018. SqwidNet will target applications across all vertical markets, with a particular focus on asset tracking, predicative maintenance, logistics and security. Leveraging DFA’s established open access wholesale operating model, SqwidNet too will operate on an open access basis, working closely with channel partners to take solutions to the market.

For more information visit www.sigfox.com

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