Arqiva partners Sigfox to build dedicated IoT network in UK

LONDON, UK: Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, and Sigfox, a pioneer in cost-effective, energy-efficient Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, today announced that Arqiva will build and run a national IoT network, starting with 10 of the UK's largest cities. The new network, which will use Sigfox technology and connect the UK to the Sigfox global IoT network, will unlock substantial economic benefits and support innovative new services for smarter homes and cities.

Sigfox's ultra-narrowband technology is particularly suited to connecting objects over long distances where a long battery life and low cost are required. By becoming the Sigfox Network Operator in the UK, Arqiva has strengthened its position as a leading provider of machine-to-machine connectivity services.

"Arqiva has the unique breadth of capabilities needed to meet evolving machine-to-machine connectivity requirements across the UK. We already run satellite, WiFi, and long-range radio networks, providing full managed services where required," said Wendy McMillan, managing director of smart metering and machine-to-machine solutions at Arqiva. "Our smart metering communications service, connecting 10 million homes using long-range radio technology, will be one of the UK's largest machine-to-machine deployments."

"Our partnership with Sigfox, and the new dedicated Internet of Things network we are building, will provide nationwide low-power connectivity for the first time. Low-power consumption allows batteries and equipment to last longer, avoiding the cost and inconvenience of replacing devices. This massively expands the range of devices that can be connected, increasing the benefits to consumers and businesses alike."

Hundreds of on-going Sigfox partner projects are able to take advantage of the network's integrated global distribution channel, allowing the same device to operate in any country where Sigfox is deployed. Sigfox networks are currently deployed in France, the Netherlands and Spain, as well as in several cities in other countries, including Moscow, and Munich. Many major international businesses are already customers.

"The UK has an active, fast-growing Internet of Things market, and our partnership with Arqiva is a significant part of Sigfox's plan to establish a global cellular network dedicated to the IoT," said Rodolphe Baronnet-Frugès, vice president of network and business development at Sigfox. "According to some forecasts, there will be 50 billion connected devices worldwide by 2020, but for this to become a reality, both cost and energy use will have to come down. That's the solution Sigfox offers, and we're proud that Arqiva is bringing it to the UK."