SK Telecom has forged an alliance with automation and control systems developer Honeywell Korea as part of efforts to strengthen its competitiveness in the emerging IoT market.
Under the agreement, SK Telecom will integrate its LoRa network technology with Honeywell sensor and control devices for homes, buildings and factories.
The two companies will jointly develop sensors supporting the LoRa technology, and Honeywell Korea plans to launch its first Lo-Ra capable products - including thermostats, presence sensors, pipe temperature sensors and fire safety products – in the first quarter of next year.
“Through the MOU, we will work closely with Honeywell Korea to expand the IoT market by combining our leading IoT technologies with Honeywell’s global top products in the field of automation and control,” SK Telecom EVP and head of IoT Kwon Song said.
“With the application of SK Telecom’s IoT network technologies, we not only expect to strengthen our competitiveness and leadership through the provision of differentiated products, but also hope to enter into the IoT-based smart home market,” added Honeywell Korea president Hong Soon-Ho.
The companies are targeting installations in new buildings, as well as upgrade projects to replace existing sensors in established buildings with wireless sensors.
SK Telecom completed the deployment of a nationwide LoRa-based low power wide area network in July, to complement its existing LTE-M IoT network.