Tata Communications has conducted trials of new Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN), based on LoRaTM technology for connected devices and Internet of Things (IoT) applications in Mumbai and Delhi.
These trials will boost deployment of IoT applications in India. There will be 25 billion connected things globally in 2020 from 4.9 billion in 2015, according to IT market research agency Gartner.
Tata Communications plans to roll out LoRaTM network across the country — starting in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. The first phase targets to cover 400 million people across Tier 1, 2, 3 and 4 cities.
LoRaTM is a wireless communication technology dedicated to the Internet of Things (IoT) / Machine to Machine (M2M) communications network.
Tata Communications’ LPWAN wireless network enables communications in deep water and up to 50 metres underground and can be used in metro stations and car parks. The signal of the network can cut through up to seven walls inside buildings.
It is also suitable for rural areas due to its 15km range. Compared with 4G, WiFi, ZigBee or Bluetooth solutions, the LPWAN network is cost-effective for deployment.
“We see a need for a new smart network to enable intelligent solutions for M2M applications to facilitate a simpler and smarter way of life and at a lower cost of ownership. We intend to deploy this network across India and invite customers with IoT projects to work with us to test it, end-to-end,” said Tri Pham, chief strategy officer, Tata Communications.
