JT to Build Wireless Long-Range (LoRa) Wide Area Network on Jersey

Telecoms operator JT has announced a new partnership with Digital Jersey that will help to support the construction of Jersey’s first Long-Range (LoRa) Wide Area Network, which will enable devices to access the internet without using the more traditional / wireless means of 4G or WiFi.

The new network is not designed to help expand the reach of domestic broadband connectivity. Instead the intent appears more to setup a low power and long range wireless network that can be used to connect smaller “Internet of Things” (we’re not big fans of that term) style devices, such as sensors for monitoring traffic congestion, pedestrian footfall counts, temperature, air quality and or humidity etc.

The problem is that such small devices often don’t work so well with the “higher” power requirements of 3G/4G or WiFi networks and 2G won’t be around forever. This is where LoRa networks can play a role by harnessing unlicensed spectrum in the sub-gigahertz territory (e.g. 868MHz or lower). Related networks tend to be quite slow (anything from a few Kbps to 1-2Mbps), but they can cover a wide area and for very little cost.

Tom Noel, Managing Director of JT Wholesale, said:

“LoRa is a relatively new technology but its potential in the IoT space is already considerable. IoT will fundamentally change how we live, work and do business. By building this network, and taking an open, collaborative approach, with Digital Jersey and others, we truly explore the potential of a LoRa network, and ultimately help our customers to engage with this exciting new world of IoT technologies.”

Tony Moretta, CEO of Digital Jersey, said:

“By working closely with JT, as well as the other members of our Test Bed group including government and the utility companies, we can investigate the great potential of the Internet of Things to both improve life in Jersey and grow our digital economy.

As a small jurisdiction, where we can get all the key players around the table working together, we should be able to take a lead and create a smart island to attract technology developers, encourage new start-ups and ultimately create new businesses and jobs. JT’s strengths in this area are a real asset for Jersey and their support is invaluable.”

It’s hoped that the new network will help to foster a “smart island“, where other companies interested in IoT technology will also be able to use Jersey’s LoRa network as a test bed for their own products and services. Sadly JT doesn’t say when the new network will be completed, but thanks to the wide coverage it probably won’t take too long to roll-out.