What's smart, free, and will soon be all over Dunedin?

We have launched the New Zealand chapter of "The Things Network", an international collaboration of people developing city-wide wireless networks. The Things Network uses a long range and low power radio frequency protocol called LoRaWAN. The technology allows for things to talk to the internet without 3G or WiFi. So no WiFi codes and no mobile subscriptions.

Because it is long range, relatively few installations will be needed to provide coverage.  The goal is for the network to be partially available by the end of this year, extending to the whole Dunedin metropolitan area next year.

The network will not provide high speed general purpose internet access, but will enable small smart devices to connect to the internet to transmit small amounts of data. The network will provided a freely accessible community resource for all to use. Students are also working on demonstration apps to provide examples of ways the network can be used.

For more information and to explore ways you could use the network, please get in touch with Adon Moskal.