Dark Fibre Africa (DFA) and its subsidiary SqwidNet have partnered with global communication solution firm Sigfox to deploy an Internet of Things (IoT) network.
South Africa will be the twenty-sixth country to deploy and operate Sigfox’s network, with SqwidNet to distribute IoT connectivity services and solutions on an open-access basis to its partner channels, the parties said in a joint statement released at AfricaCom, held in Cape Town, this week.
“We are very excited about this partnership with SqwidNet. This move marks yet another key milestone towards Sigfox’s vision of a global IoT network and in its expansion into the Middle East and Africa region,” said Sigfox deputy CEO Xavier Drilhon.
Sigfox plans to have coverage in 60 countries by 2018.
Starting in South Africa’s main metropolitans, namely Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, the Sigfox network will make use of DFA’s established open-access wholesale operating model. Full national coverage will be achieved by 2018.
“SqwidNet will target applications across all vertical markets, with a particular focus on asset tracking, predictive maintenance, logistics and security,” the parties said.
The subsidiary aims to deliver an efficient, scalable solution purpose-built for connecting millions of sensors and devices cost-effectively in South Africa on a global network platform.
“All the pieces are now falling into place to make IoT a short-term reality in South Africa. South Africa is a strategic country for Sigfox as it hosts a vibrant ecosystem of innovative IoT solutions, which it exports across the African continent and worldwide,” Drilhon concluded.