With new module makers, device manufacturers and SIM card vendors, the world’s first hybrid IoT connectivity semiconductor now has an emerging ecosystem available for customer deployments
Berlin, Germany – October 25, 2018 – Sigfox, the global Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) connectivity provider, and GCT Semiconductor, a leading designer and supplier of advanced 4G mobile semiconductor solutions, today announced the launch of their hybrid ecosystem at Sigfox Connect. Since unveiling the world’s first hybrid (cellular and Sigfox) solution for the Internet of Things (IoT) in September 2017, Sigfox and GCT have grown their hybrid connectivity ecosystem to include module makers, device manufacturers and SIM card vendors. Through the addition of these ecosystem partners, Sigfox and GCT are propelling the commercialization and adoption of IoT-enabled applications across industries.
GCT’s GDM7243I chip supports two complementary connectivity modes: cellular and Sigfox. The chip, which has passed LTE-M1 certification with large tier 1 operators, enables ultra-long battery life through Sigfox and high throughput cellular connectivity. By connecting IoT devices to the Sigfox network during typical operation and switching to cellular networks on demand, the hybrid solution accelerates the promise of IoT while ensuring connectivity now.
“Our partnership with GCT underscores the tremendous strides we’ve achieved to advance the promise of IoT,” said Ludovic Le Moan, CEO and co-founder, Sigfox. “In just one year, we have created the world’s first-ever hybrid IoT solution, achieved certifications and now built an entire hybrid ecosystem. This ecosystem will be instrumental to making IoT more accessible – globally, but especially in key markets such as the U.S.”
“We are excited to continue working closely with Sigfox and see module vendors taking full advantage of our unique connectivity solution,” said John Schlaefer, CEO of GCT Semiconductor, Inc. “By offering both cellular and Sigfox connectivity, we are enabling IoT devices to connect to LTE Cat M1/NB1, GSM and the Sigfox network, therefore extending battery life and offering high throughput on demand. We look forward to seeing module vendors, device makers, and multi-IMSI SIM card vendors launch their unique offerings at an accelerated pace. It’s an incredibly exciting time for the IoT industry, and we’re proud to usher in the next market evolution with Sigfox.”
GDM7243I based tracking devices operate on the Sigfox network for location tracking but switch to the cellular network for live asset recovery in case of a geo fence breach. Hybrid devices can connect to the Sigfox wireless IoT network and operate in low-power mode to send and receive notifications-only. The Sigfox network can also provide backup connectivity to hybrid devices in case of cellular network coverage limitations, congestion, breakdown, or jamming of security/alarm systems. Hybrid devices enhance device security by providing the ability to globally locate and deactivate stolen phones, and provide emergency alert and beacon capabilities.
As the hybrid IoT ecosystem expands, GCT’s dual mode semiconductor is poised to power an even wider variety of IoT applications. These applications include trackers, wearables, smart cars and sensors for utility meters.
The hybrid IoT ecosystem today includes:
- Module makers such as KZTech and Asia Telco (ATEL)
- Hybrid tracking solutions from Antekco Systems
- Global roaming multi-IMSI SIM card vendors like Pod Group
“With GCT and Sigfox’s expertise in LTE and IoT, we are able to develop a cutting-edge new CPE device with unique capabilities,” said Jason Ding, CEO of ATEL. “We are thrilled to be working closely with GCT and Sigfox on this project and look forward to a successful launch.”
Steven Zhou, CEO at KZTech, added: “We are pleased to be working with GCT and Sigfox to create a new hybrid module that offers not only long battery life, but also superior global coverage. These capabilities make our solution a smart choice for quality, performance and price, and we look forward to a successful launch in the near future through Antekco Systems, our mutually exclusive go-to-market partner.”
“Pod Group has been working with Sigfox and GCT to integrate the Sigfox backend APIs with our subscription, on-boarding, and data visualization platform. We believe Hybrid solutions offer the best of both worlds, customers no longer need to select either Sigfox or cellular services for tracking and other IoT applications,” said Sam Colley, CEO Pod Group USA. “We are delighted to offer Pod Group’s multi-IMSI SIMs with global roaming support in 185 countries around the world as part of this solution. Sigfox Operators can now deliver Hybrid IoT Solutions and enhance their network coverage to include cellular and benefit from extended battery life and lower subscription rates when using the Sigfox network”.
About Sigfox
Sigfox is the world’s leading IoT service provider thanks to its global network that can connect billions of devices to the Internet while consuming as little energy as possible, as simply as possible. Sigfox’s unique approach to device-to-cloud communications addresses the three greatest barriers to global IoT adoption: cost, energy consumption, and global scalability.
Today, the network is present in 53 countries and on track to cover 60 by 2018. With millions of objects connected and a rapidly growing partner ecosystem, Sigfox empowers companies to move their business model towards more digital services. Founded in 2010 by Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet, the company is headquartered in Labège near Toulouse, France’s “IoT Valley.” Sigfox also has offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Boston, Dallas, San Francisco, Dubai, Singapore, Sao Paulo and Tokyo.
About GCT Semiconductor, Inc.
GCT Semiconductor is a leading fabless designer and supplier of advanced 4G LTE and WiMAX semiconductor solutions. GCT’s market-proven LTE solutions, commercially available since 2010, have enabled fast and reliable LTE connectivity to numerous commercial devices such as smartphones, tablets, hotspots, USB dongles, routers, M2M applications, etc., for the world’s top LTE carriers. GCT’s system-on-chip solutions integrate radio frequency, baseband modem and digital signal processing functions, therefore offering complete 4G platform solutions with small form factors, low power consumption, high performance, high reliability and cost effectiveness. For more information, visit www.gctsemi.com.
