Launceston to be the first city in Australia with a low power, wide area network (LPWAN)

CAMARILLO, Calif., Jan. 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq:SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, today announced that its LoRa wireless platform is being used in Australia’s first Internet of Things (IoT) LPWAN network. The first deployment of the IoT LPWAN network is in Launceston, Tasmania, and is expected to enable a host of smart, innovative applications involving real-time transportation monitoring, inventory control, healthcare, and many other IoT applications.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/361575f8-8857-4103-a252-c411fdf887b7

LoRa Technology and the standardized LoRaWAN™ specification enable ease in deployment of IoT networks by offering compatibility with existing infrastructure and interoperability with an extensive list of companies within the LoRa Alliance™ ecosystem. This citywide LPWAN deployment is a collaborative effort among the University of Tasmania’s Sense-T, Definium Technologies and CSIRO’s Data 61, and it has received a 100,000 Australian dollar funding commitment from the Hodgman Government.

Launceston-based IT company, Definium Technologies, will manufacture network gateways and sensors using LoRa Technology that will run the network. Local business and residents will be able to deploy and use IoT applications to improve manual processes, safety, conservation, and more once the network is rolled out.

“This LoRaWAN network will stimulate IoT innovation and business opportunities locally, at first, and then regionally, as the project expands,” said Hon. Michael Ferguson MP, Minister for Information Technology and Innovation at Definium Technologies. “The range of applications for LoRaWAN networks is extensive, and we are excited to help lay the groundwork to bring IoT to Australia.”

“This ground-breaking project adds Australia to the list of forward-thinking countries developing smart network infrastructures based on the LoRa Technology to help streamline day-to-day processes and elevate business decisions, environmental conservation, public infrastructure, and more,” said Marc Pegulu, Vice President and General Manager, of Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “LoRa Technology makes large scale network rollouts possible by integrating into existing infrastructure, offering strong connectivity, providing long range communication, and low power operation.”

Semtech is a member of the LoRa Alliance™, a group of nearly 400 companies committed to driving and enhancing the LoRaWAN specification to ensure interoperability and scalability of LPWANs and IoT applications. Through its work with member companies and IoT industry groups, the LoRa Alliance is making LoRaWAN the standard for LPWANs focused on low-power, long-range IoT applications. To date, there are LoRaWAN public and private networks in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Key Features of LoRa Technology:

• Long Range: A single base station using LoRa Technology enables deep penetration capability for dense urban environments and indoor coverage, while also providing the ability to connect to sensors more than 15-30 miles away in rural areas.
• Low Power: The LoRaWAN protocol was developed specifically for low power and enables unprecedented battery lifetime of up to 20 years depending on the application.
• Geolocation: Enables tracking applications without GPS or additional power consumption.
• Low Cost: LoRa Technology reduces up front infrastructure investments and operating costs, as well as end-node sensor costs.
• Open Standard: The LoRaWAN protocol ensures interoperability among applications, IoT solution providers and telecom operators to speed adoption and deployment.

Resources

• To learn how LoRa enables IoT visit Semtech’s NEW LoRa/IoT site.
• Engage with the NEW LoRa Community.
• Contact Semtech’s support team for technical support or general product inquiries.
• Sign up for Semtech’s e-newsletter Inside Circuit for quarterly product updates.
• Follow Semtech on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Google+.

About CSIRO and Data 61
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) is the federal government agency for scientific research in Australia. With more than 5,000 experts based in 55 centres, extensive local and international networks, and a burning desire to get things done, they are Australia’s catalyst for innovation and a global force in transforming imagination into reality.

Data61 is the result of a merger between National ICT Australia (NICTA) and CSIRO’s digital research unit, creating one of the largest digital research teams in the world and, outside of the Department of Defence, Australia’s leading capability in cyber security research. Data61 is Australia’s leading digital research network.

About Definium Technologies
Definium Technologies is an Australian owned, Tasmania-based technology solutions provider and specialist hardware vendor servicing businesses around the globe. With proven hardware and software development capabilities they are a dynamic and versatile embedded systems developer and machine to machine solution provider with a focus on scalable, tailored solutions to real problems around the world.

About Sense-T
Based at the University of Tasmania, Sense-T is a partnership between the University, CSIRO and the Tasmanian Government, and is also funded by the Australian Government.  Sense-T was a first mover in the internet of things and big data in Tasmania. They are using data, sensing technologies and data analytics to help see alignments and opportunities, to improve decision making and create real impact.

About Semtech
Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for high-end consumer, enterprise computing, communications, and industrial equipment. Products are designed to benefit the engineering community as well as the global community. The Company is dedicated to reducing the impact it, and its products, have on the environment. Internal green programs seek to reduce waste through material and manufacturing control, use of green technology and designing for resource reduction. Publicly traded since 1967, Semtech is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol SMTC. For more information, visit www.semtech.com.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
All statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements that use the words “is expected to,” "will,” “committed to,” “designed to,” or other similar words or expressions, that describe Semtech Corporation’s or its management’s future plans, objectives or goals are “forward-looking statements” and are made pursuant to the Safe-Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results of Semtech Corporation to be materially different from the historical results and/or from any future results or outcomes expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors are further addressed in Semtech Corporation’s annual and quarterly reports, and in other documents or reports, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov) including, without limitation, information under the captions “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors.” Semtech Corporation assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release, except as required by law.

Semtech, the Semtech logo, LoRa and LoRaWAN are registered trademarks or service marks of Semtech Corporation and/or its affiliates. Third-party trademarks or service marks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

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