Tuesday, 24 September 2024, France – Rémi François, Managing Director of UnaBiz Europe, joined François Sorel on BFM Business TV’s Tech & Co. to discuss the resurgence of Sigfox 0G technology, a pioneer in IoT connectivity. Once hailed as a standout of French technology, the Sigfox 0G technology faced significant challenges two years ago, but has been since acquired and revitalized under the leadership of UnaBiz.
Rémi François explained, “We took over the assets under the receivership process, which now form the UnaBiz Europe subsidiary. We continue to manage all of Sigfox 0G technology’s activities.”
Continued Innovation in IoT in France and Beyond
UnaBiz France continues to operate in Labège, near Toulouse, where a dedicated team of around 100 engineers focuses on enhancing the network that operates in over 70 countries. The technology enables low-cost, energy-efficient data transmission through simple sensors, which is ideal for a variety of applications.
François elaborated, “These sensors can send just a few bytes of data—typically 12 bytes—covering use cases like geographic tracking in logistics or monitoring gas and water consumption.”
Addressing Competition: Sigfox 0G technology’s Cost-Effectiveness & Energy Efficiency
Many people like to compare the success of Sigfox with LoRa and NB-IoT, but François believes such comparisons are pointless. “Each technology has its strengths,” he stated, emphasizing that there is ample room for diverse solutions in the market while highlighting Sigfox 0G technology’s cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. Since UnaBiz’s acquisition, the number of connected devices on the network has risen from 9 million to 14 million, demonstrating strong, consistent growth and a renewed interest from loyal customers.
Key Applications and Future Goals in 4 Key Verticals
UnaBiz now focuses on 4 verticals: Utilities, Supply Chain & Logistics, Security, and Facilities & Building Management. In Supply Chain & Logistics, Sigfox 0G technology is vital in tracking millions of assets, helping companies optimize their supply chains effectively. François remarked on the technology’s ability to function indoors, which is especially beneficial in warehouse environments.
In the Security sector, Sigfox 0G technology strengthens alarm systems by ensuring messages can be transmitted even when traditional networks are down. “We have several million alarms deployed across Europe with this capability,” he shared.
Looking to the future, François discussed potential applications in mobility, including vehicle tracking and recovery solutions.
Conclusion
Sigfox’s transformation from a struggling tech giant to a revitalized player in the IoT landscape illustrates the resilience and adaptability of innovative technology. With its focus on simplicity, energy efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, Sigfox 0G technology is poised for a bright future in a rapidly evolving digital world.
For those interested in the full interview, it’s available in French on BFM Business TV.
