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FastNet Selects Semtech LoRa™ Technology as Internet of Things Wireless Solution of Choice
[November 05, 2014]

FastNet Selects Semtech LoRa™ Technology as Internet of Things Wireless Solution of Choice


CAMARILLO, Calif. --(Business Wire)--

Semtech Corporation (Nasdaq: SMTC), a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors, announced that FastNet, a leading machine-to-machine (M2M) operator in South Africa, and part of the Telkom SA (News - Alert) Group, has selected LoRa™ technology to target low power connectivity for Internet of Things (IoT) applications.

LoRa network deployments will target devices and services that require very long battery lifetime at a low price point, complementing FastNet's other cellular M2M services that are optimal for high data throughput applications where an ample power source is available.

According to IMS Research, the demand for long-range RF connectivity is expected to grow dramatically. By 2020, the number of web-connected devices is expected to reach 22 billion, with more than 50% of these applications predicted to be low power, wide-area-networks (LPWAN) requiring a long battery lifetime that can't be served by existing technologies such as cellular M2M, WiFi (News - Alert), Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) or Zigbee.

"We believe that Semtech's LoRa RF technology is the most appropriate choice to deploy IoT services thanks to its long range and secure, bidirectional communication capabilities," said John Myers, CEO of FastNet. "LoRa satisfies the requirements of our customers for smart grid, industrial automation, asset tacking, metering, security and many other applications. The value proposition of the LoRa technology is convincing major industries to deploy IoT applications and services that were previously unrealizable."



Semtech is working with FastNet and other regional telecom companies and ecosystem partners to form a LoRa Alliance to promote interoperability between public networks and create an ecosystem of developers to expedite IoT connectivity.

LoRa end-node devices are now in production with development kits already available. Development kits, including the end-node LoRaMAC source code, are available from Semtech, Microchip and IMST. Modules compatible with the FastNet network are available from IMST now and from Microchip in the fourth quarter of 2014.


About Semtech

Semtech Corporation is a leading supplier of analog and mixed-signal semiconductors for high-end consumer, 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 http://www.semtech.com.

About FastNet

FastNet is a leading wireless data communications service provider. With 20 years' experience pioneering Point-Of-Sale (POS) communications in South Africa, FastNet provides a Payment Card Industry (PCI (News - Alert)) compliant network that is reliable, secure and provides end-to-end data communication solutions for businesses of all sizes. The company specializes in POS, Virtual Private Network, Machine-to-Machine Communication and Wi-Fi technology.

With its national footprint, FastNet is well positioned to deliver a superior service and 24/7 technical support across South Africa. FastNet is also a fully licensed, Electronic Communications Network Services (ECNS) and Electronic Communication Services (ECS) service provider with the advantage of extensive coverage provided by both wireless and fixed line networks.

Semtech, the Semtech logo, and LoRa are registered marks of Semtech Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their owners.

FastNet is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telkom SA SOC Limited. For further information, please visit www.fastnet.co.za.


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