T-Mobile to cover the Czech Republic with the SIGFOX network for the Internet of Things

The results of the pilot operation of the SIGFOX network exceeded expectations
T-Mobile and SimpleCell Networks are planning to cover the entire Czech Republic
A minimal number of 350 base stations will be needed for nation-wide coverage

T-Mobile and SimpleCell Networks (formerly Blue Cell Networks) have decided to jointly cover the Czech Republic with a SIGFOX network for the Internet of Things. The decision was made on the basis of a successful pilot operation that was conducted from June to August this year. The coverage of the entire Czech Republic can be achieved with a minimal number of 350 base stations by the end of 2016. In the first half of next year, both partners intend to launch SIGFOX in selected regions and start selling solutions that do not require full nation-wide coverage.

“The Internet of Things is a phenomenon of the future. It is estimated that approximately 200 billion devices should be connected within five years,” says Milan Vašina, T-Mobile’s Managing Director, adding: “T-Mobile wants to focus on this area and the first important step is nation-wide coverage with a network dedicated specifically for the Internet of Things.”

During the pilot operation, T-Mobile and SimpleCell Networks tested the technological and practical possibilities of the SIGFOX solution, particularly the quality of base-station coverage and transmission of signal to buildings. The successful results of the tests exceeded expectations: they showed line-of-sight propagation at a very long distance (up to 120 kilometres), very good transmission of signal to buildings and high reliability of message delivery even under poor radio conditions where an area was covered by several base stations. Messages were usually delivered in one second. The pilot operation also proved high resistance to signal interference as well as seamless installation and activation of base stations. The tests involved the areas of security, logistics, utilities and Smart Cities.

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. The global SIGFOX network is being expanded by means of the SIGFOX Network Operator™ partnership program, which currently covers more than 1 million square kilometres. The company is based in Labège, France, has an office in Paris and 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.