Semtech parterning with local government on LoRaWAN
Semtech Corporation, a supplier of high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, announced that the Metropolitan Government of Seoul, in South Korea plans to deploy a new enterprise-grade citywide network for Internet of Things (IoT) applications based on Semtech’s LoRa devices and the LoRaWAN protocol.
Semtech said that the IoT network is part of a larger plan by the city government to increase its connectivity offerings and create what it would be one of the world’s first hyper-connected cities by 2022.
The connectivity project also stipulates the creation of a public and free-to-use municipal Wi-Fi network, accessible to all from anywhere within the city’s limits.
“LoRaWAN and Wi-Fi cover hundreds of uses cases, many of which are highly complementary to key market segments for the future of city operation,” said Marc Pegulu, Vice President of IoT for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Applications leveraging LoRaWAN that make use of the unlicensed spectrum deliver simple, highly efficient, flexible, and secure IoT solutions. These are very important in large cities such as Seoul, where smarter municipal operations save time, resources and money.”
According to the Seoul government, the Smart Seoul Network, or “S-Net,” will provide all citizens with Internet access through the deployment of new smart city infrastructure.
The main goals of the S-Net project are the establishment of a municipal broadband network, deployment of free-to-use Wi-Fi networks and increased integration of IoT infrastructure based on LoRa devices. By 2022, the city plans to deploy up to 1,000 LoRaWAN-based gateways to complement the municipal Wi-Fi
The network will allow the city government to launch new applications including smart parking, connected street lighting solutions and geolocation applications, among others.
Since 2015, Seoul has provided free Wi-Fi access in outdoor spaces through a 47.7 billion won ($44 million) project with Internet access at 10,430 parks, streets and other public places.
In related news, the city of Seoul recently announced that it has installed AI speakers in an ambulance for the first time in South Korea.
“An AI speaker has been developed for ambulances through a collaboration between Yangcheon Fire Station and [local carrier] KT. Test operation of the speaker will begin soon,” said an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Fire & Disaster Headquarters.
The local government said that AI speakers will allow paramedics to freely use both hands during the transport of patients who need urgent care, allowing them to focus on the patient in situations such as CPR administration.
The AI speaker recognizes the voices of paramedics in the ambulance and serves to assist paramedics with their work. In the ambulance, the paramedic can be connected to the doctor through a voice command to the AI speaker and then receive guidance for treatment, the expected arrival time to the medical institution, and information on the medical institution based on the patient’s condition.
It also provides English, Japanese, and Chinese interpretations for foreign emergency patients.
