SIGFOX seamless connectivity will allow Silicon Controls to offer global monitoring solutions for tanks and cylinders wherever the network operates
LABEGE, France and SYDNEY, Australia – Sept. 19 2016 – Silicon Controls, a global leader in tank & cylinder monitoring devices (GASLOG™), SIGFOX, the world’s leading provider of dedicated communications service for the Internet of Things (IoT) and Thinxtra, the exclusive SIGFOX network operator (SNO) for Australia & New Zealand, announced today a strategic partnership agreement. As part of the agreement, Silicon Controls and Thinxtra will work together to connect Silicon Control’s next-generation remote monitoring equipment to over 1 million tanks and cylinders via the long-range, low-power SIGFOX network.
The scope of the agreement includes the focused development of Silicon Controls’ IoT monitoring equipment, leveraging SIGFOX’s connectivity solution and know-how, network expansion, development of joint go-to-market solutions and SLA-based operational support to customers. The partners are already working on opportunities in Europe, Asia Pacific and North America.
By delivering critical tank level & other operational data, remote monitoring of tanks and cylinders eliminates run-outs & emergency deliveries and improves resource planning and route optimization. The new monitoring technology resulting from this cooperation will address these specific needs of the oil and gas industries, driving down the cost of remote-monitoring equipment, reducing maintenance through extended battery life and lowering monthly communication fees. It is ultimately about helping oil and gas suppliers reduce the cost of distribution and evolve their customer services to improve loyalty and satisfaction.
“This collaborative partnership is aimed at reducing the total cost of ownership of contents and usage monitoring, allowing our customers to monitor many more tanks and cylinders than current cellular solutions allow. SIGFOX’s network availability today, its global business model, long battery life, equipment and data costs make it the logical first choice in Silicon Controls’ IoT monitoring strategy,” said Mike Neuman, CEO of Silicon Controls.
The majority of remote monitoring devices that will be connected to the IoT will require very simple, low-cost and low-power connectivity to transmit or receive data. In addition to meeting those requirements, SIGFOX supports a guaranteed service level and competitive pricing, which underpins Silicon Control’s solution. These advantages, packaged in a single global agreement, will allow Silicon Controls to offer end-to-end tank & cylinder monitoring solutions wherever the SIGFOX network is available today and tomorrow.
“We are very excited about the potential of our strategic partnership and about being a partner of choice for Silicon Controls’ IoT device connectivity. With this agreement, we signal to the ANZ market that we are officially open for business,” said Loic Barancourt, Thinxtra’s CEO.
SIGFOX CEO Ludovic Le Moan said: “Thinxtra & Silicon Controls’ strategic, global partnership demonstrates the seamless IoT connectivity that we provide via local SIGFOX Network Operators to global companies like Silicon Controls, and their customers operating across Europe, Asia, the Americas and, of course, Australasia. Our local SNOs provide quick and simple access to global network services, support and pricing, as well as to their local network.”
Thinxtra was launched in 2015 and is backed by a consortium of strategic investors, including cornerstone investor Rakon Limited, a NZX-listed high-tech leader in innovation of communications technology. The network roll out in Australia and New Zealand has commenced and is on track to meet its target of covering 85 percent of the ANZ population with SIGFOX connectivity by the end of 2017.
About Silicon Controls
Silicon Controls, a global leader in tank and cylinder monitoring in the LPG and Industrial Gas industries provides equipment, applications and services aimed at helping gas suppliers reduce the cost of distribution and improve customer services. It specialises in integrated system solutions for remote monitoring applications. Silicon Controls operates internationally with commercial activities in Europe, North America, Australasia, and Asia. Silicon Controls has a proven track record, earned over nearly three decades, in the design, installation and maintenance of systems that employ advanced hardware and software technologies.
About Thinxtra
Thinxtra is the exclusive SIGFOX network operator for Australia & New Zealand. Thinxtra is an Internet of Things (IoT) company founded by IoT experts who share the same passion and expertise: connecting things to improve business processes. Thinxtra is backed by NZX-listed high-tech company Rakon Limited, which has a history of innovation in communications technology going back some 50 years. Thinxtra is empowering Australia and New Zealand’s Internet of Things with SIGFOX world-leading LPWAN connectivity as well as building a full eco-system of IoT solutions & services to enable the non-connected to connect, increase productivity, accelerate decision making, improve quality of service or simply solve problems in an economic & connected manner. Visit www.thinxtra.com and follow us on Twitter @Thinxtra.
About SIGFOX
SIGFOX is the world’s leading provider of dedicated communications service for the Internet of Things. The company’s network complements existing high-bandwidth systems by providing simple, economical, energy-efficient two-way transmission of small quantities of data over long distances, thus lowering barriers to wide implementation of IoT solutions, and greatly extending the battery and service life of connected devices. Currently operating in 24 countries and registering over 8 million devices in its network, SIGFOX is today the only IoT-dedicated connectivity solution commercially available that guarantees a high level of service and reliability on an international scale. Corporate headquarters are in France, and the company has offices in Boston, San Francisco Madrid, Munich, Dubai, and Singapore. For more information, see www.sigfox.com and follow us on Twitter @SIGFOX.
