Senet has expanded its public LoRaWAN network across all five boroughs of New York City through a combination of Senet-owned infrastructure, roaming deals with partner networks, and formal integration with Helium network, the company has said. The US LoRaWAN operator is on a charm offensive at “local events” in the city to publicise usage of public LoRaWAN for monitoring utility operations, building management, food safety, and municipal services.
It said its network in New York is “one of the largest and densest metropolitan deployments of public LoRaWAN connectivity in North America”. The “integration” deal with Helium provides Senet customers with access to around 27,500 “Helium compatible” hotspots in the city. At the same time, it allows Senet’s customers, utilising the Senet network for higher “carrier-grade” connectivity, to join the Helium scheme.
This way they can generate blockchain-based HNT rewards for IoT data traffic on the Helium network, and earn HNT tokens for hosting traffic on their own radio cells, also providing Helium with more robust extension to its existing “community” network – which has, to an extent, grown-up with bedroom IoT hobbyists. “Customers… can now use Senet as their carrier grade onramp to the Helium network,” said Senet in a statement.
“By onboarding their solutions through Senet, customers benefit from robust network and device management services, delivering the highest levels of reliability and responsiveness for scaled IoT applications. Connectivity to the Helium Network is available through Senet’s Extended Coverage offering by default and at no additional cost to Senet customers.”
The firm claims a “major customer” in New York experienced a 25 percent increase in outdoor connected asset reporting as a result of gaining access to Helium coverage in the city. Senet said it is working with municipal authorities, building management solution providers, and utilities to launch a range of solutions, including for gas safety, water and gas leak detection, pest control, and food safety and compliance.
New York State is introducing new legislation to address the dangers of gas leaks, fires, and explosions in residential dwellings. A new bill, currently in committee, requires that all dwellings have a gas detector that wirelessly connects to the gas company. Senet is conducting field trials with various solution partners (including gas alarm companies New Cosmos USA and ProSentry) and utility providers to deliver gas leak detection and automatic shut off solutions.
Senet is working with ProSentry to jointly-offer a modular LoRaWAN system to connect in-building sensors for gas leaks, water leaks, cigarette smoke, vape and THC detection, plus for monitoring exhaust fans, elevators, boiler temperature, and pest controls. Senet’s LoRaWAN network is being used for temperature monitoring by quick service restaurants and food vending services in the city, too, it said.
Bruce Chatterley, chief executive at Senet, said: “IoT technologies are increasingly influencing how some of the world’s largest cities build and operate municipal infrastructure and optimize service delivery, and with this cutting-edge network deployment, New York City will be positioned at the forefront of this new wave of innovation.”
Meanwhile, Senet has announced a global distribution deal with CalChip Connect for gateways and devices. Senet said the deal offers a sure way to get hold of “pre-qualified” network gear and gubbins. CalChip Connect, as per its job description, will manage inventory levels, warehousing, and shipping on behalf of the original equipment manufacturers. It will also provide “customized, pre-provisioned solution bundles and direct shipping”.
