A Low Power WAN connects devices or sensors wirelessly, using very little power, compared to WiFi or cellular networks, for example. This means a device (for example a smart water meter) can operate on a battery and that battery may last ten years before it needs to be changed. Low power devices can help businesses solve problems in places where mains power and wired connectivity aren't readily available.
A new report from IDC New Zealand titled "The Battleground for LPWAN in New Zealand" looks at the industry and market dynamics of seven nationwide LPWAN networks vendors are deploying.
"New Zealand organizations will be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting low power wireless connectivity for their Internet of Things solutions," IDC New Zealand research manager for telecommunications Monica Collier said. "The telcos and the Internet of Things companies are providing a range of connectivity options that will suit different use cases and budgets."
Being ‘spoiled for choice’ comes with a dark side – it creates a "criteria conundrum" for end user organizations, according to Collier. Each type of LPWAN in New Zealand has different specifications, strengths and capabilities.
One way to get around this is through the use of IDC's Worldwide Internet of Things Taxonomy, in which use cases are mapped against specific LPWAN technologies most ideally suited to. This helps organizations have a clearer idea of the connectivity they should seek according to Collier.
After that, connectivity decisions come down to the commercial models that vendors decide to utilize. "Not every deployment will suit a monthly connection charge. Pricing models may need some innovation to ensure the right value equation for customers," warned Collier. She also noted that that it is too early to know how the telcos will price their services.
Overall, the investment vendors are making should help accelerate IoT growth in New Zealand, by providing both customers and the provider ecosystem with further certainty in the market.
"We've already got two nationwide networks, through KotahiNet and Thinxtra," says Collier, "Now, both Spark and Vodafone are deploying two LPWA networks each, and Chorus is trying out LPWAN in Auckland."
The LPWAN market is about to get competitive, generally a good sign for customers.