(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Predrag Vuckovic)
Not long ago I was on a WiFi-enabled flight thinking about just how incredible that is, but also how it was more reliable than my connection at home was during that period. This led me to think even higher above my head, to astronauts in the ISS, who also have an internet connection (however slow.)
Sigfox is using its expertise to build an IoT network in another incredible location, Antarctica. The low-powered communications network for smart devices will extend their existing network to Belgium’s Princess Elisabeth Research Station in Antarctica, and forms part of a new humanitarian effort from the French company.
Known as the SigFox Foundation, the not-for-profit organisation hopes to utilise the benefits of the IoT to “protect people and the environment, improve health care and social ties.” The first group to benefit from the Antarctic IoT network will be members of the 2015-16 BELARE expedition, which consists of technicians and researchers specialising in glaciology, climatology and geomorphology.
“We fully support the BELARE expedition and are convinced that the Internet of Things is a great opportunity to ensure the safety of high-risk operations by Belgian teams in Antarctica," said Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet, co-founders of SIGFOX.
Members of the expedition will be equipped with 45 GPS trackers connected to the Sigfox network, allowing real-time tracking of their movements and some of their equipment, even whilst battling with the extreme weather conditions.
The equipment will make use of Sigfox's ultra-narrow band (UNB) technology which allows the devices to communicate with two antennae installed at the station at a distance up to 40km.
“This partnership will allow us to test technology that could be useful for the safety of our operations in Antarctica,” said Rachid Touzani, director of the Belgian Polar Secretariat. “However, the security of women and men we send to Antarctica to implement key scientific projects for the preservation of mankind is a top priority for the Belgian Polar Secretariat.”
How do you think IoT networks will impact humanitarian work? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Interested in hearing industry leaders discuss subjects like this and sharing their IoT use-cases? Attend the IoT Tech Expo World Series events with upcoming shows in Silicon Valley, London and Amsterdam to learn more.
The show is co-located with the AI & Big Data Expo, Cyber Security & Cloud Expo and Blockchain Expo so you can explore the entire ecosystem in one place.
