SIGFOX, the provider of M2M connectivity technology, has anounced that NarrowNet, a network operator in Portugal will become the exclusive SIGFOX Operator in the country. Under the agreement, NarrowNet will be deploying the SIGFOX network towards developing a Portuguese IoT ecosystem, that will cater for the connectivity needs of IoT device manufacturers, various service providers and other players in this space.
NarrowNet expects the partnership to spur Portuguese entrepreneurs, engineers and others to explore the development of IoT applications that are able to deliver value to users, leveraging SIGFOX's extremely cost-effective connectivity. Unlike conventional cellular connectivity, a SIGFOX network is better suited to provide connectivity for IoT/M2M end devices which typically have very limited power capacity, while requiring only a small fraction of bandwidth to transmit the information they collect, often continuously. This, said NarrowNet, is a key enabler in the adoption of M2M across many new application areas.
Todate, the SIGFOX global network has been deployed in France, the Netherlands, the U.K. and Spain, as well as in major cities in other countries. At the same time, there are hundreds of ongoing SIGFOX partner projects which take advantage of the company’s seamless global network that allows connectivity between every country where SIGFOX operates its network.
Our motivations for joining the SIGFOX network include tapping into Portugal’s deep pool of talent for developing new technologies,and providing IoT services to all segments of Portuguese society, including those who cannot affordbroadband services. Moreover, we foresee an intense collaboration withmajor telecommunication companies to provide M2M services in those areas where theyare unavailable, as well as to help them to extend the range of connectivity servicesthey offer.
Portugal has an active, fast-growing Internet of Things market, and ourpartnership with NarrowNet is a significant part of SIGFOX’s plan to establish a global cellular network dedicated to the IoT. This partnership highlights once again how the SIGFOX Network Operator program allows local providers to quickly and economically offer Internet of Things connectivity and services.
