Tata Communications, HPE to launch India's first IoT network

At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, enterprise information technology company, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and global telecom company, Tata Communications, have announced a partnership to support the roll out of India’s first LoRaWAN (LoRa) based network. According to the partnership this is the world’s largest IoT network to enhance resource utilization.

What is LoRa?

LoRa is a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) specification for wireless battery operated IoT devices. This network takes care of IoT requirements such as secure bi-directional communication, mobility and localization services. The network is currently being adopted as a standard for connecting LPWAN IoT devices and sensors, complementing other connectivity options such as LTE, Wi-Fi and more. Tata Communications and HPE selected LoRa because of its low power requirements, long-range capability, low cost and multiple use opportunities. HPE claims to be a member of the LoRa Alliance, an open, non-profit association with the mission of standardizing LPWAN being deployed around the world to enable the IoT, machine-to-machine (M2M) and smart city and industrial applications.

Where does Tata Communications fit in?

Last year, the company unveiled plans for the LoRa network as part of a strategy to create mobile platforms and ecosystems that enable its customers and partners to connect people and IoT-connected devices globally. In India, the first phase of the roll-out targets the Tier four cities and claims to cover about 400 million people. Tata claims that the move has been initiated after successful field trials in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The company also states that there are 35 proof-of-concept applications in trial on the network.

How will the partnership help?

HPE and Tata Communications state that the partnership will help enable devices with embedded connectivity, provide enterprise customer solutions throughout the country. By launching the LoRa network, the duo plan to connect devices, application and IoT solutions in smart buildings, campus, utilities, fleet management, security and healthcare services in nearly 2,000 communities.

Anthony Bartolo, President, Mobility, IoT and Collaboration Services, Tata Communications said, “As part of our commitment to innovation and in driving digital transformation globally, we are creating a cohesive, resilient and highly secure network to deploy IoT applications in India. This platform is critical to amalgamating all the complex variables in enabling a truly digital India.”

Tata Communications has also partnered HPE for its global cellular IoT connectivity services. The solution provides a range of domestic and cross-border IoT connectivity and management services for applications requiring elements of mobility, such as connected cars, fleet management and transportation services.

“The sheer size of this project is incredible, bringing new services to millions of people. Through our partner centric approach, the HPE Universal IoT platform will enable Tata Communications to build multiple vertical use cases for its IoT network in India on a common platform with a common data model,” said David Sliter, Vice President and General Manager, Communications Solutions Business, HPE.