The global ecosystems of SigFox, a France-based provider of IoT services, can serve as the platform for Taiwan IoT hardware makers to access international markets, according to Robin Chen, managing director at UnaBiz Taiwan, which operates the country's first nationwide public SigFox low-power wide-area network (LPWAN).
Chen said that as an exclusive Sigfox network operator (SNO), his company is responsible for establishing SigFox base stations in Taiwan, allowing local firms to complete IoT systems by only installing terminal sensors instead of having to invest in related equipment.
Chen continued that any exclusive SNO in a given area is just like a platform for developers of terminal sensors and other IoT devices to quickly venture their products into international markets.
Meanwhile, SigFox's upstream technology IPs are licensed to related makers free of charge, allowing them to develop chips meeting SigFox protocols. Among the makers in Taiwan are Lite-On Technology, Jorjin Technologies, M2COMM and InnoComm Mobile Technology, according to Philippe Tzou, ecosystem director at UnaBiz Taiwan.
Tzou said that SigFox base stations in Taiwan now boast service coverage of up to 95% of the country's population, suitable for smart city and large-area IoT infrastructure applications.
In terms of infrastructure applications, Tzou continued, UnaBiz has cooperated with China Airlines (CAL), utilizing LPWAN to track ground-servicing equipment.
As to smart city application, SigFox LPWAN can be utilized to monitor roadside car parking, tilting of buildings, and safety of pedestrians, among others, Tzou indicated.