Tata Communications will deploy a LoRA-based IoT network in India after completing trials of a new LPWAN connectivity technology.
The “super low-power, secure, bi-directional” communication solution will allow for ultra-low power consumption and can punch up to 50 metres underground, Tata said.
It added that the planned IoT network would take into account specific market requirements for India, where base stations only cover five percent of country.
This is despite India having some 14,000 installed base stations, compared to approximately 5,000 in France, for example.
The ensure consistent connectivity, Tata will explore the use of solar power and different antennae technology that doesn’t rely on satellite.
Specifically, the company will promote the adoption of directional antennas, which it said could provide location functionality powered by base stations as opposed to satellites.
LPWAN also offers a more cost-effective technology than 4G, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-based solutions, Tata said.
The first phase of the rollout will aim to cover 400 million people across Tier 1, 2, 3 and 4 cities, starting in Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.
Tri Pham, Chief Strategy Officer of Tata Communications, said: “We see a massive need for a new smart network to enable intelligent solutions for a variety of M2M applications to facilitate a simpler and smarter way of life and at a lower cost of ownership.
“These trials are just the beginning; we intend to deploy this network across India and invite customers with IoT projects to work with us to test it, end-to-end.”
According to a recent report by Beecham, LPWAN networks will account for 26 percent of total IoT connectivity by 2020.