CAPE TOWN: Sigfox has announced that, with its partner DFA, it will roll-out the Sigfox network in South Africa, the country with the largest economy and most industrial activity on the African continent. SqwidNet, a wholly owned subsidiary of DFA, will deploy and operate Sigfox’s network nationwide and distribute the IoT connectivity services and solutions to its partner channels, according to the release.
The deal has been described as a strategic move to expand to the largely untapped South African market, which presents tremendous opportunities for business and society. The IoT market in that country is estimated to exceed $2 billion by 2020. “We’re very excited about this partnership with SqwidNet,” said Xavier Drilhon, Deputy CEO, Sigfox. “This move marks yet another key milestone towards Sigfox’s vision of a global IoT network and in its expansion into the MEA region. All the pieces are now falling into place to make IoT a short term reality in South Africa. South Africa is a strategic country for Sigfox as it hosts a vibrant ecosystem of innovative IoT solutions which exports across the African continent and worldwide.”
The Sigfox network now spans 26 countries and has a footprint in some of the largest economies in every continent. Sigfox already has six countries covered nationwide; 20 more are being rolled out currently. The company plans to have coverage in 60 countries by 2018. The roll-out of the Sigfox network in South Africa will initially be in the key cities, starting with Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban, with full national coverage to be completed by 2018. “Our move into IoT is underpinned by our strategic intent of enabling a digital world in which innovation and meaningful connections thrive,”’ said Reshaad Sha, Chief Strategy Officer, DFA, and Acting CEO, SqwidNet. “By working closely with our existing and new partners we believe that the connectivity proposition that we will be taking to market will be leveraged for the strength and technological prowess that Sigfox enables.”
