Du to finish deployment of IoT network in 2016

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Du to finish deployment of IoT network in 2016

Dubai - Dubai telecom operator du is showcasing a lot of initiatives related with smart city and IoT at the 35th edition of Gitex Technology Week.

By Abdul Basit

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Published: Fri 23 Oct 2015, 12:00 AM

Last updated: Fri 23 Oct 2015, 10:16 AM

Dubai aims to become smart city by 2017 and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company, known as du, has planned to finish deployment of IoT (Internet of Things) network by the middle of next year in the emirate, according to a top official of the company.
This deployment will bring billions of sensors in the city. Dubai telecom operator du is showcasing a lot of initiatives related with smart city and IoT at the 35th edition of Gitex Technology Week.
After successfully testing the Middle East's first Internet of Things (IoT) network, du showcased its real life applications that will make UAE cities smart. The demonstrations at event featured du's live, low power, long range (LoRa) IoT network, based on Cisco IoT gateway and Actility server.
A wide variety of LoRa's Smart applications were on show, demonstrating the network's ability to revolutionise the way UAE residents interact with their surroundings - and better manage city resources.
Working examples included geo location capabilities, which pin point any asset with a Smart censor countrywide - these can track movement, support personal SOS alarms or provide info on who has entered or left a building. Gitex visitors had a chance to see how the network supports smart environment initiatives - with sensors sharing real time info on their surroundings.
Speaking to Khaleej Times Carlos Domingo, senior executive officer, New Businesses and Innovation, du, claimed that the company has brought something unique at the show and displaying technology to improve infrastructure and support smart city initiative.
At the Gitex, du demos explained LoRa's unique cost saving capabilities. As cities become smart, billions of sensors will be placed in everyday objects to share information across the UAE. Domingo said the LoRa network offers a low power alternative to connectivity, adding years to the battery life of sensors countrywide - making huge long term savings.
Du has initiated a couple of pilot projects related with IoT in Dubai. Talking about those projects Domingo said: "We believe many of these pilot projects will become full-fledged services by next year in Dubai. Hopefully, we will finish the deployment in whole UAE next year. The UAE will the first country in the Middle East that will be IoT enabled." Dubai by middle of next year, he informed.
"We are doing pilot projects at Dubai Media City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and North of Shaikh Zayed Road," he said.
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), in collaboration with du, has successfully installed the UAE's first smart street lights and smart building technologies within the integrated free zone technology park. These initiatives are great additions to a previously introduced Internet of Things network by Dubai Silicon Oasis - where sensors are placed in everyday objects to become 'smart' and interact with their surroundings.
Using motion sensors provided and programmed by du, the smart street lights will provide 25 per cent visibility, until triggered to full power by approaching vehicles and pedestrians, allowing for less energy consumption that will prolong the life of electric bulbs and reduce operational costs and carbon impact.
-abdulbasit@khaleejtimes.com


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