SIGFOX launches IoT network in Ireland
Ireland’s first Internet of Things (IoT) network has begun operation in Athlone, Co Westmeath. The network is managed through communication network operator 2rn, and is owned by IoT firm VT Networks. 2rn has provided the use of its national infrastructure to allow VT to roll out a SIGFOX network worth €10m across the entire country. The low-power, wide area network comes from French company SIGFOX. The network provides connectivity with sensors and simple devices, such as security systems and GPS trackers, and these can be connected for as little as €1 annually.

The State’s first Internet of Things (IoT) network was switched on in Athlone, Co Westmeath yesterday by the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Mr Denis Naughten.



The network which is owned by VT Networks operates through 2rn’s national broadcast and telecommunications infrastructure, which gives it huge resilience, coverage and robustness. 2rn’s involvement has made the fast rollout of a nationwide IoT network possible.



2rn has struck a partnership with VT Networks which Minister Naughten signed as part of the official switch on yesterday, Oct. 4.

In exchange for shares in VT, 2rn provided expertise and use of its national network of broadcast towers, masts and infrastructure. This allowed VT to bring a SIGFOX network, valued at €10 million, to the entire country in a record-setting five months.



SIGFOX is a French company that provides low-power, wide-area networks (LPWAN) across the globe through partnerships with local operators.

This type of connectivity is optimized for sensors and simple devices such as GPS trackers and security systems allowing them to send multiple messages with small amounts of information. Since users are only paying for the bandwidth needed for these devices, they can be connected for as little as €1 per year.

Low power requirements also mean the battery life of SIGFOX-enabled devices can last up to 300 times longer than those that use other connectivity options, such as traditional cellular networks.



Director General at RTÉ, Dee Forbes said, "I am delighted that 2rn has been able to assist in the deployment of Ireland’s first national IoT network, which will enable the important development and deployment of new products and services across rural and urban Ireland."

Minister Naughten added, “Ireland is a centre for innovation and our aim is to stay ahead of the curve. We could immediately see the benefit of having a nationwide network dedicated to IoT devices, covering both urban and rural areas, and hope this will help to cement our place as a country that is leading the way in Internet of Things development. We are delighted to be part of the drive towards innovation in Ireland alongside VT.”

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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