Belgacom's Proximus has signed a deal with LoRa alliance to power its Internet-of-Things (IoT) network. Proximus will start deploying wireless network based on LoRa (Long Range, Low Power), connecting devices which are equipped with sensors and which can be operated, controlled or read out remotely. According to Proximus, the new network will be available in major cities in Belgium before the end of this year and the Operator plans to roll out the network throughout Belgium and Luxembourg by next year.
The LoRa network allows devices to work over long distances with very low energy consumption, enabling devices to operate autonomously for years on end. LoRa technology has a capacity of between 1 Kbps to 50 Kbps, which means that it can function with low frequencies (ISM 868 MHz or 900 MHz band). The technology can provide extensive 10 km outdoor coverage and a few km of indoor coverage from a base station, many new possibilities, such as home automation, smart applications to monitor one's energy or water consumption, and sensors which allow doctors to monitor patients remotely.
Proximus also will encourage developers and other interested companies to develop new services and solutions that use the LoRa™ network.
