Australia's Telstra opens first public IoT innovation lab
Australian telecoms firm Telstra has opened the country's first public internet of things (IoT) innovation lab in Melbourne. Telstra Labs will offer space for product developers to create, test and prototype IoT solutions on Telstra's narrowband radio networks. The lab will be free for most users, who will be able to use its drones, dual 3D printer and equipment for making circuit boards.
Telstra has launched Telstra Labs, Australia’s first public Internet of Things (IoT) innovation lab in Melbourne.

The IoT lab is open to start-ups and the general public, and will serve as a space where product developers can create, test and prototype IoT solutions under controlled radio conditions. Specifically, the lab includes Cat-M1 and NB-IoT radio networks, to allow developers to test their IoT solutions on Telstra’s network.

Other specialised technology such as drones, a dual 3D printer, a mill (to make circuit boards) and a laser engraver are on offer.

“This is the first lab of its kind in Australia and it means that anyone from university students, to a start-up, to a multinational company can come here and work with some of the best equipment and minds in the business to bring their IoT solution to life,” said Telstra’s chief technology officer, Hakan Eriksson.

“Australia’s economy is built on primary industries that will benefit greatly from the adoption of IoT technologies and it is vitally important for Australia’s productivity that we stay ahead of the curve on developing and implementing IoT solutions,” he told iTWire.

The labs will be led by Eriksson’s CTO department, and will be free for most users.