France-based Sigfox is expanding into Ireland as the Internet of Things (IoT) specialist further ramps up its global rollout plans.
The company has joined forces with Dublin-based VT Networks for the network rollout and said it expects to connect 1 million devices in Ireland by 2017. The move means that Ireland is the twelfth country where the Sigfox network is operating or being deployed.
VT Networks CEO Mark Bannon said it is part of his company's vision to turn Ireland into a global hub for IoT innovation.
"Irish businesses have reacted quickly to adopt new, beneficial technology applications available on the Sigfox network. Through these applications, businesses are creating a new range of solutions that will impact every sector in a cost-effective and reliable way," said Bannon.
VT Networks has in turn partnered with 2RN for the Sigfox rollout. 2RN is the communication-network operator that distributes and transmits programming for Ireland's national television and radio broadcasters. It also provides much of the infrastructure for Ireland's local radio services, telcos and emergency services.
Sigfox specialises in building low-energy, low-cost wireless networks to connect all manner of objects such as electricity meters, smart watches and washing machines, providing the infrastructure that underpins the IoT.
The company now covers or is deploying its network in 11 countries in Europe and also said it will cover 10 major U.S. cities by the first quarter of 2016. The European countries now covered are France, Spain, the UK, the Netherlands and Italy with networks being rolled out in Luxembourg, Portugal, Belgium, Denmark, the Czech Republic and Ireland.
In October, Sigfox also said it was opening an office in Dubai to manage its network rollout in the Middle East and Africa.
In February this year, the company raised funding of $115 million (€107 million) from investors including Telefónica to fund its global rollout.
For more:
- see the Sigfox release
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