Spark rolls out low-cost IOT network
Spark has begun rolling out its low-cost ‘‘internet of things’’ (IOT) network in a bid to lead the telecommunications industry.
An IOT network allows sensors on things, like objects and infrastructure, to connect to the internet. Spark’s longrange (Lora) network uses little power and data over a wide area.
Spark’s IOT solutions general manager, Michael Stribling, said councils could put sensors on bins or in car parks and could then monitor through an IOT network when bins needed emptying or what inner-city car parks were used most often.
Boat monitoring company BoatSecure uses IOT to give boat owners information from sensors in their boats’ pump, battery and location.
IOT technology has also proved popular on farms. Sensors in paddocks tell farmers when to irrigate, spray or harvest.
Stribling said IOT could be used where information was lacking or where costs could be cut, and would be particularly useful for companies with a lot of assets.
‘‘It is about capturing data where we are not currently capturing it and using that information to reduce cost.’’
Spark had been investing in the IOT concept for a ‘‘number of years,’’ and in July announced it would roll out a network by early 2018, he said.
On the same day in July, competitor Vodafone announced it would deploy its own narrowband IOT network by early 2018.
Australian telecommunications company Thinxtra, part-owned by Nzx-listed business Rakon, and Kotahinet have already rolled out IOT networks across most of the country.
Network installation company Kordia switched on some of Spark’s first Lora network connections this month to fasttrack the rollout.
Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch were due to be connected before Christmas. Another 16 cities were expected to be connected by mid-2018.
Stribling said the uptake of IOT here was only at its starting blocks.
However, within the next five years consumers should expect to see a big change in business and government operations because of it, he said.