Connexin and NYnet to Expand IoT Wireless Network in North Yorkshire

Broadband ISP Connexin UK has announced that they’ve signed a new network sharing and operations agreement with NYnet, the broadband company owned by North Yorkshire County Council, which will expand their wireless Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) in the region to help connect low power Internet of Things (IoT) sensors.

Fixed wireless LoRa networks typically harness only a small slice of lower frequency radio spectrum (usually in one of the sub-1GHz bands like 868MHz or 915MHz) in order to support a relatively slow, but extremely low power, data connection. Such networks tend to run at sub-Megabit speeds (often under 0.05Mbps), but some variants can also handle several Megabits (Mbps).

NYnet’s existing LoRaWAN network currently covers 85% of the geographical area of North Yorkshire in England. But today’s new partnership will allow Connexin to further expand LoRaWAN® connectivity with an additional 57 gateways, supporting the roll-out of a “new smart network” as part of the Yorkshire Water advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) deployment.

Just to recap. Connexin already works with Yorkshire Water on their advanced meter project. The water company has targets to reduce leakage by 50% by 2050 and improve customers’ water efficiency by reducing PCC by 9% by 2025. The advanced metering framework should enable Yorkshire Water to meet those targets by installing smart meters to provide near real-time insights into leaks and customer usage.

The new deal combines NYnet and Connexin’s respective networks, which is also expected to deliver a “range of benefits for residents“. NYnet said they can utilise the network to cover all aspects of council operations including social care, parking, public health, and other initiatives such as parking, bins and air quality monitoring in schools.

Alastair Taylor, CEO of NYnet, said:

“Connexin is rapidly establishing itself as the de facto national LoRaWAN® provider and we are extremely pleased to be partnering across North Yorkshire to assist them in increasing coverage across our region. We look forward to working closely together on this project and offering businesses, citizens and organisations in North Yorkshire with opportunities to benefit from our far-reaching network offering.”

Ralph Varcoe, Chief Growth Officer at Connexin, said:

“Our new partnership with NYnet is something we are incredibly excited about. Not only will this ensure more Yorkshire Water customers receive the services they need, but we can also continue to gain coverage for other customers across the region by roaming with NYnet. This true innovative partnership approach will help to further digitise the region.”

The partnership between both organisations includes a revenue share model agreement (i.e. each party can openly roam onto the others’ network service at no cost). The first phase of the project is expected to be completed by the end of April 2024 with 57 new gateways installed.