Sensor network launches across Suffolk

It's hoped the network will help businesses use real-time data to succeed

Author: Arlen JamesPublished 19th Feb 2021

A new initiative to deploy 'gateways' to build a network across Suffolk is launching today (19 February).

The Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) is being built by Suffolk County Council in partnership with Norfolk County Council and funded by New Anglia LEP.

It will involve the fitting of almost 100 'gateways' or data receivers and transmitters to public sector buildings across the county.

They will be used to measure things like temperature, sounds and movement via sensors linked to the LoRaWAN.

Businesses and individuals will be able to buy their own sensors, which they can adapt to measure what best suits them, such as visitor numbers for shops.

Users will then be able to tap into the 'gateways' for free.

Leader of Suffolk County Council, Councillor Matthew Hicks, said: "In today's increasingly technological and digital world, it is entirely right that as an authority we do all we can to support local businesses to access and use real time data to help them succeed.

"This project has the potential to strengthen businesses, grow our local economy and help support the jobs and innovations of the future."

More information about the technology and how it can be used can be found on the project's website.

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