LPWANs (Low Power Wide Area Networks) are set to drive UK IoT growth according to Beecham Research. The company is backing the Digital Catapult ‘Things Connected' open IoT initiative that aims to jump-start the LPWAN ecosystem by lowering barriers for technology access, innovation and application development.
"LPWANs offer a new low cost connectivity option to connect a large number of IoT devices over long distances in a power-efficient and cost-effective way, opening up enormous potential for a new wave of IoT applications," stated Saverio Romeo, Principal Analyst at Beecham Research. ?
"Key features of LPWANs such as low consumption of energy and low cost of deployment give opportunities to SMEs to explore new territories and new ideas, not possible with other forms of connectivity."
Things Connected will initially be focused on supporting London-based organisations and SMEs, with the network utilising 50 IoT gateways to establish a LPWAN covering Zone 1 across the capital.
However, the ambition is to create a national innovation support programme around LPWAN test beds in different UK regions and provide UK SMEs, entrepreneurs and communities with the knowledge and skills to harness the technology.
It will also bring together demand and supply side stakeholders to accelerate market growth and establish strong links to international LPWAN initiatives.
Jeremy Silver, CEO, Digital Catapult, said: "We have reached a pivotal point in the deployment of the Internet of Things across the UK.
"We want to capture more of the digital dividend in the UK economy and to do so, it is fundamental that we accelerate the adoption of the IoT. By enabling the testing of IoT innovation, Digital Catapult Things Connected will enhance the quality of life for those across the capital and further empower London's impressive and innovative tech community.
"London is the start, we plan to work with our partners to implement Things Connected in cities across the UK, to help ensure as a nation, we experiment and realise the full potential of the IoT."