In partnership with UnaBiz and Engie, internet of things network will be fully operational by early 2017
Sigfox, a French provider of global communications service for the “internet of things,” announced plans to deploy its dedicated IoT network in Singapore in partnership with IoT network operator UnaBiz and power firm Engie.
The three partners expect to offer nationwide coverage for IoT services by early 2017. Under the terms of the partnership, UnaBiz will be a Sigfox Network Operator and will deploy a nationwide IoT network in Singapore for service providers, small, medium and large enterprises, and government agencies.
“Singapore is Sigfox’s first deployment in Asia and home to its regional headquarters. This is testament to Singapore’s strategic positioning as a leading global connectivity hub and a gateway for high-growth businesses to address the opportunities presented in this region,” said Meng Fai Tung, deputy director for the Singapore Economic Development Board. “The rollout of Sigfox’s global network in Singapore with Engie and UnaBiz marks an important milestone in strengthening Singapore as a Smart Nation and global player in the internet of things.”
“Based on our experience in 21 countries where our network is already present and registers more than 7 million objects, we are confident that our proven solution and partner ecosystem will help Singapore to implement its Smart Nation Initiative quickly and successfully,” Sigfox’s CEO Ludovic Le Moan, said.
Sifgox said it aims to provide coverage in more than 30 countries with its IoT network by the end of this year.
Anglian Waters selects Arqiva for smart water metering trial
In other internet of things news, U.K. utility firm Anglian Waters selected compatriot firm Arqiva to deliver and monitor a smart water metering fixed network trial as part of Anglian’s plans for a long-term smart metering program.
Under the terms of the four-year contract, Arqiva will build the fixed network infrastructure to facilitate the deployment and operation of 7,500 new smart water meters in and around Newmarket, Suffolk.
Utility technology provider Sensus will take part in the initiative. Arqiva started to build the network last month and expects the total construction period to last for approximately six months, after which the fixed network trial will continue for the remaining contract length.
Throughout the trial, Sensus smart water meters covering both residential and commercial properties will transmit hourly usage readings via Arqiva’s network back to Anglian Water. The data will enable Anglian Water to better understand customer water consumption, and to quickly identify unusual patterns of use that might indicate a burst or a leak.
“Smart metering has a key role to play in giving our customers access to information about their water use – helping them to understand how much water they are using, and therefore how to reduce their consumption and bills. In combination with our efforts on the wider network, this will help secure water supplies for the future,” Paul Glass, Anglian Water’s program manager for the smart metering initiative, said.
