Actility and Levikom have partnered to launch the world’s first ever “open value chain” LoRaWAN IoT network in Estonia.
Actility, and service provider Levikom, said they will upgrade the NORAnet network across Estonia to offer 2nd generation, carrier-grade IOT connectivity services with multiple radio access. It will also enable geolocation services powered by LoRa devices and wireless technology from Semtech.
The network will be focused on smart applications for electricity, gas, water and heating companies.
“We expect to launch our 2nd generation core network together with our first residential IoT services in March,” said Toomas Peek, Chairman of Levikom. “The upgrade of the existing LoRaWAN radio network with new base stations and further country-wide roll-out will not be a big challenge for Levikom, as we are installing most of the LPWAN gateways into the existing wireless broadband sites.”
Actility also revealed it was powering the roll-out of a nationwide LoRaWAN network in Latvia partnering with Latvian telecommunications and IT provider Lattelecom.
The new network, whose infrastructure is powered by Actility’s ThingPark Wireless IoT solution, has already been successfully tested in the capital Riga, where full coverage will be deployed in the first stage of the project. It aims to make Latvia’s capital one of the smartest cities in Europe.
Lattelecom said the wider roll out will continue based on interest from city authorities and enterprises, with national coverage expected to be completed in 2018.
“The new infrastructure will allow smart devices to be connected to a single network, enabling services like smart metering, utility network monitoring, remotely controlling street light, smart waste management and other city level services,” said Kerli Gabrilovica, Lattelecom Chief Development and Marketing Officer. “Latvia’s capital has many advantages for introducing new technologies.”
Mike Mulica, chief executive of Actility, hailed the work in the two Baltic states.
“We’re delighted to be working with Lattelecom and Levicom to drive IoT innovation and enhance the business model of IoT networks,” he said. “As these networks highlight, LPWA technology can not only be transformational, but can create game-changing commercial opportunities that are not possible any other way.”