Pixel Networks Granted HK's First WIoT License

Hong Kong's Pixel Networks has been granted the SAR's first wireless IoT (WIoT) license for its city-wide LoRaWAN network.

The Office of the Communications Authority has created a new licensing regime for WIoT platforms and services using the 920-MHz to 925-MHz shared frequency band.

“IoT is an emerging technology which enables the provision of communications platforms and services for interconnected devices to generate, exchange and consume data with minimal human intervention,” a Communications Authority spokesperson said while announcing the new regime.

“With the emergence of new generations of wireless and mobile technologies, massive implementation of IoT will become the trend. Hong Kong must prepare itself to keep up with this global trend. The CA, after consulting the industry via the advisory committee of the Office of the Communications Authority, decided to establish a new licensing regime to respond to the market development and the industry's requests in a timely manner.”

Pixel Networks has deployed and operates the first Hong Kong wide low-power long range (LoRaWAN) IoT network using Cisco equipment.

The company is pitching the network for use in smart IoT applications such as temperature monitoring, smart lighting and electric vehicle charging management.

Pixel Networks CEO Kirill Nosov said the WIoT license will set the legal foundation for the provision of IoT services.

“According to our research, the WIoT dedicated licensing regime developed by OFCA is the first of its kind in the world, which reflects Hong Kong’s dedication to Smart City development,” Nosov said.