The two firms look to launch LoRa-capable solutions in early 2017.
South Korean telecommunications firm SK Telecom inked a memorandum of understanding with Honeywell Korea, a provider of automation and control solutions, for a low power wide area-based “internet of things” initiative.
Under terms of the agreement, the firms will jointly develop wireless sensors based on SK Telecom’s LoRa network technology. Honeywell Korea plans to launch the LoRa-capable products including thermostats, presence sensors, pipe temperature sensors and fire safety products in the first quarter of next year.
SK Telecom said LoRa-infused wireless sensors can be installed in new construction and also replace existing sensors driving down construction and labor costs.
“With the application of SK Telecom’s IoT network technologies, we not only expect to strengthen our competitiveness and leadership through the provision of differentiated products, but also hope to enter into the IoT-based smart home market,” said Hong Soon-Ho, president of Honeywell Korea.
SK Telecom recently completed the development of 24 different IoT services for the domestic market. In November, the South Korean operator announced plans to launch at least 35 IoT services by the end of this year using LoRa-based wireless technology.
The carrier said it finished building a LoRaWAN network across the country at the end of June, six months earlier than its initial schedule, and that the network covers 99% of the population. The telco expects to connect more than 4 million devices to its LoRa networks by the end of 2017.