Liquid Telecom launches IoT communications network in Kenya

Leading independent data, voice and IP provider in eastern, central and southern Africa, Liquid Telecom has announced the launch of a nationwide IoT communications network of 300 new towers that will cover up to 85% of the Kenyan population.

The ISP teamed up with France-based network provider, Sigfox in a deal that would enable Kenyans to monitor water and electricity meters, track wildlife and environmental changes for agricultural use.

The deal will see Sigfox build 300 base towers by November 2019 — with four already having been established in Nairobi — to connect up to 85% of Kenyans to their new Internet of Things (IoT) network, while Liquid Telecom’s fibre network which spans more than 5,000 kilometres in Kenya will be used to connect the base stations.

Sigfox’s IoT network will use low-powered remote sensors without SIM cards, since connecting remote sensors over mobile data requires high battery consumption, would increase costs for consumers which can be a challenge for rural Kenya.

“The IoT new network runs on the free ISM band 868MHZ and will cost Kenyans as little as sh.100 per year per device or sensor depending on usage”, says Ben Roberts, Group CTIO of Liquid Telecom.

The introduction of the Sigfox “Low Power Wide Area Network” (LPWAN) is the first in the East African region (already launched in South Africa), thus allowing users to use IoT technology wherever they are and positioning the country to apply cost-effective local solutions using IoT.

For example, the new network would allow University students, startups and established businesses to develop devices and solutions that create new opportunities in the IoT space.

The company also plans to expand into Mombasa, Kisumu and Nanyuki where it is said to be in talks with Ol Pejeta Conservancy to provide a tracking solution for their animals and prevent poaching.