
Sigfox sells German network to Cube Infrastructure Managers
Sigfox has announced a strategic alliance with Cube Infrastructure Managers (Cube), through the sale of its German 0G network to Cube. A 0G network is a dedicated, low-bandwidth wireless network specifically designed to connect low-powered, low-cost IoT devices to the internet without SIM cards.
Sigfox has grown its 0G IoT services by rolling out 0G networks across 72 countries and regions, which was largely achieved with partners called Sigfox Operators. These operators are the owners of the 0G networks, which they operate as exclusive connectivity providers of Sigfox IoT services. The sale of the German network to Cube will allow Sigfox to finance its continued innovation efforts in data value extraction and improvements in cloud algorithms to reduce energy consumption and allow the implementation of even more cost-effective devices and sensors.
Cube Infrastructure Managers within its strategic alliance with Sigfox has acquired a majority stake in Heliot Europe, the owner and operator of the Sigfox 0G networks in Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. It has also purchased Sigfox’s 0G network in Germany, which it is acquiring through Heliot Europe. Cube is therefore bringing together the 0G networks of all these four countries, which will together form the largest 0G network in Europe. Cube’s objective is to accelerate the growth of this essential and exclusive IoT infrastructure in the region in joint venture with the operating management of the networks, which retains a minority stake in Heliot Europe.
Researchers add noise to make better IoT sensors
Rather than competing with cellular technology, Sigfox 0G has proved to complement this technology where it is not suitable thanks to devices which use far less energy and radio spectrum and cost far less. Cube’s acquisitions of Sigfox Germany and Heliot Europe mark a milestone in the IoT’s market maturity as it recognizes the long-term growth potential of IoT 0G infrastructure networks.
IoT botnet war drags in home routers
“We challenge and invite industries to evaluate the data they want to collect, to improve their business. Our goal at Sigfox, with our operators and our ecosystem partners, is to minimize data extraction costs. Sharing infrastructure is a first step toward lower TCO, and higher reliability and interoperability” says Ludovic Le Moan, CEO and cofounder of Sigfox.
Synaptics acquires rights to Broadcom wireless IoT assets
“We are known as pioneers among infrastructure funds for investing early in optic fiber infrastructure companies in Europe, long before fiber became the “fourth utility” and have over the last decade accompanied the growth of several European infrastructure operators. Today, we see the development of massive IoT as a critical enabler and driver of economic, social and environmental progress in the context of the digital transformation of our economies. With this investment in the Heliot platform and strategic alliance with Sigfox, we are now aiming at consolidating a new communication infrastructure, harnessing its potential to enhance the competitiveness of our industries and territories, and contributing to the efficient use of public services and scarce resources consistent with our ESG objectives” explains Henri Piganeau, Managing Partner at Cube Infrastructure Managers.
How to prevent dropped communication in critical IoT applications
“We are pleased to welcome Cube as our main shareholders to drive our vision started 2 years ago with our agreements signed with Sigfox for Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The acquisition of Sigfox Germany is a key milestone in our development and we will pursue commercial development initiated by Sigfox Germany with tier one customers in the country and beyond, in retail, automotive and logistics. This new combined 0G network from the Adriatic to the North Sea reflects our clients expectations and plays well to our operational strengths. We are looking to further accelerate and foster the adoption of IoT at the heart of European industry. This is made possible with the successful and entrepreneurial team already fully integrated into the Sigfox ecosystem as well as the powerful financial backing and experience of Cube Infrastructure Managers. This is also an unprecedented opportunity to reinforce our strategic and long-term alliance with Sigfox” explains Thomas Scheibel, CEO at Heliot.
Skylo and Sony Israel launch NB-IoT over satellite project
www.cubeinfrastructure.com
www.sigfox.com
www.heliotgroup.com
