Sigfox: a new wireless network for the Internet of Things in the Czech Republic

• T-Mobile and Blue Cell Networks bring a wireless network for the Internet of Things to the Czech Republic
• Three-month pilot operation starts on several T-Mobile base stations in Prague
• The entire Czech Republic may be covered in future 

Prague, 21 May 2015

In partnership with SIGFOX, T-Mobile and Blue Cell Networks are starting in the Czech Republic pilot operation of the wireless network dedicated for the Internet of Things (IoT). The trial operation will run on several T-Mobile base stations in Prague and, depending on its outcome, the partners will decide whether or not they will gradually roll out the SIGFOX network across the entire Czech Republic.   

“We see the future in the Internet of Things – basically any device or object will be able to transmit information via the internet, which will facilitate a number of everyday activities and increase their efficiency,” says Milan Hába, Innovations Director at T-Mobile, adding: “Therefore we have teamed up with Blue Cell Networks to introduce SIGFOX, which has been proven in other countries to be one of the world’s best IoT solutions, in the Czech Republic. 

Unlike the systems that are still in the development stage, SIGFOX narrowband technologies for connecting devices provide two-way connectivity with a very long range and high capacity. The network complements the current broadband mobile systems intended for the needs of data-intensive smartphones and other mobile devices. SIGFOX is installed on standard mobile base stations and allows economical and energy-efficient transmission of small data volumes over long distances. This removes barriers to broad implementation of IoT and M2M solutions and significantly extends the battery life as well as the service life of connected devices. 

During the pilot operation, T-Mobile and Blue Cell Networks will test the technological and practical possibilities of the SIGFOX solution, particularly the quality of base-station coverage and transmission of signal to buildings. The trial operation will run on real devices in a real environment (for instance, it will involve monitoring of railway cars, available parking spaces and a number of other applications). 

“SIGFOX networks are in operation or are being rolled out in more than twelve European countries and large cities,” says Rodolphe Baronnet-Frugès, Executive Vice President for International Business Development at SIGFOX, adding: “We are excited about the new pilot operation in the Czech Republic.” 

After the results of the pilot operation have been evaluated, T-Mobile, Blue Cell Networks and SIGFOX will decide whether or not they will start covering the entire Czech Republic with the network. The operator and its partners will announce the initial results of the tests during summer, when they will also provide a live demo of the individual applications. 

SIGFOX is the unique provider of cellular connectivity dedicated for IoT and M2M communication. The global SIGFOX network is being expanded by means of the SIGFOX Network Operator™ partnership program, which currently covers more than 1.5 million square kilometres. The company is based in Labège, France, and has branches in San Francisco and Madrid.

T-Mobile Czech Republic, a member of the international telecommunications group Deutsche Telekom, has almost 6.2 million customers, the number-one operator in the Czech market. T-Mobile is an integrated operator: in addition to telecommunications services, it offers comprehensive ICT solutions not only for companies, but also for other organizations and individuals. It provides outstanding services in the high-speed network, which was proved repeatedly by benchmark testing performed by umlaut (former P3) with Best-in-Test seal.

T-Mobile Czech Republic places emphasis on taking a responsible approach to the environment and society. It adheres to fair business practices, helps beneficial applications and services to see the light of day, supports non-profit organizations, small businesses and individuals, and lends a helping hand whenever crisis situations arise. The company’s employees serve as volunteers in many places across the entire Czech Republic.

More information about the company is available at www.t-mobile.cz, www.t-press.cz (the portal for journalists) and www.t-mobile.cz/pomahame (information on the company’s CSR activities).

Contact details of the press unit: press@t-press.cz.