APT launching the new IoT platform in Taiwan
Taiwanese telecommunications operator Asia Pacific Telecom (APT) launched an internet of things (IoT) dual-network multi-platform, called Gt Smart Life.
APT said the necessary research and development of the new IoT platform took approximately two years.
The Asian telco said that the new IoT platform combines the telco’s LTE network with the LoRa network deployed by network operator FHNet.
APT has already deployed a total of 500 LoRaWAN hotspots in Greater Taipei and Taoyuan in order to support the dual network.
The telco is also providing application development and service delivery, while compatriot firm Foxconn provides the hardware.
The companies have inked partnerships with both local and foreign manufacturers including IBM, Cisco, Actility, Semtech, Advantech and Shin Kong Security.
The dual-network platform supports both networks of LoRa hotspots and the existing 4G LTE network, integrating partners such Cisco, Jasper, Actility, and IBM Bluemix into this dual-network.
Actility’s ThingPark IoT solution is being used to power the platform.
APT has already launched the first demonstration applications for the platform, which include a smart city application covering the use of smart water, electricity and gas meters, as well as a goods delivery tracking service suitable for both indoor and outdoor tracking.
In addition to the demonstrated smart city applications and tracking service, Gt can be extended to the internet of Vehicles, Smart Factories, Smart Agriculture, Smart Home and other domains.
“We see this as a great opportunity to be at the heart of one of the most exciting IoT markets, which is preparing for explosive growth, and we look forward to continuing to work with APT to deploy new services and capabilities within the platform,” Actility’s CTO Olivier Hersent, said.
ATP counted more than 1 million mobile subscribers at the end of April, according to the company’s latest available data.
The telco launched commercial 4G LTE services in December 2014 through spectrum in the 800 MHz band. APT also launched VoLTE technology in May 2015.
