Semtech and Tata Communications to inaugurate ‘Applications Center for LoRa Technology’ in India

Semtech Corporation, a supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, and Tata Communications, a leading provider of A New World of Communications, are set to launch the first applications center dedicated to LoRa Technology in Mumbai, India. The center allows enterprise customers and Internet of Things (IoT) solution providers to deploy and test their applications over a LoRaWAN-based low power, wide area network (LPWAN).

Following successful LoRaWAN network trials in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru, Tata Communications and Semtech have worked together to deploy 35 IoT proofs-of-concept (PoCs) based on LoRa Technology across these cities. The PoCs cover a wide array of applications, including sensors for remotely monitoring air conditioners and safety deposit boxes, energy management systems used to optimize the use of electricity, gas and water, and multiple smart buildings and smart city applications.

“Tata Communications has successfully tested India’s first IoT network in some of the largest cities in India,” said VS Shridhar, Senior Vice President and Head – Internet of Things, Tata Communications. “The current LoRaWAN-based network allows millions of devices to be connected, and our goal is to have 200 million end devices connected by 2019. We believe application centers like the one established by Tata Communications and Semtech in Mumbai will play a significant part in helping us co-create this growth.”

“Tata Communications’ efforts to deploy its IoT network and recruit enterprise customers to develop strong, LoRa-based PoCs for a wide range of IoT applications will help improve the lives of India’s citizens,” said Francois Sforza, Senior Director of Business Development for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Product Group. “We are committed to working with Tata Communications toward this goal by creating IoT application centers that help foster and drive innovation throughout India.”

Semtech is a member of the LoRa Alliance, a group of more than 400 companies committed to driving and enhancing the LoRaWAN specification to ensure interoperability and scalability of LPWANs and IoT applications. Through its work with member companies and IoT industry groups, the LoRa Alliance is making LoRaWAN the standard for LPWANs focused on low-power, long-range IoT applications. To date, there are LoRaWAN public and private networks in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Key Features of LoRa Wireless RF Technology:

Long Range: A single base station using LoRa Technology enables deep penetration capability for dense urban environments and indoor coverage, while also providing the ability to connect to sensors more than 15-30 miles away in rural areas.

Low Power: The LoRaWAN protocol was developed specifically for low power and enables unprecedented battery lifetime of up to 20 years depending on the application.

Low Cost: LoRa Technology reduces up front infrastructure investments and operating costs, as well as end-node sensor costs.

Open Standard: The LoRaWAN protocol ensures interoperability among applications, IoT solution providers and telecom operators to speed up adoption and deployment.