Telecom operator Citymesh acquires Belgian Sigfox operator ENGIE M2M
Through this acquisition, City network Complete its wireless product portfolio through 0G connectivity.This Sigfox network It is very suitable for IoT projects that use ultra-low bandwidth and require long battery life. Global roaming capabilities will enable Citymesh to support domestic and international customers.
City Network 0G
The selection of the Sigfox network was deliberate. Compared with other 0G networks, Sigfox offers ultra-low power consumption and low hardware and network costs. This type of network is ideal for digital water meters, tracking and tracing applications, and challenging locations, such as concrete or underground structures.
The 0G network effectively sends small data packets through low frequency, and its range is farther than WiFi. In Belgium, the Sigfox network is currently connected to more than 250,000 IoT devices.
Strategic acquisition
Through the acquisition of the Sigfox network, Citymesh now has a nationwide Internet of Things network in addition to 4G and 5G licenses. Due to its low power consumption and low bandwidth, this 0G technology is very suitable for IoT applications. “The acquisition of the National Internet of Things network further shapes our ambitions as the fourth telecom operator in the B2B market,” said Citymesh CEO Mitch De Geest. “Through this network, we can use a single contract to support customers’ IoT projects anywhere in the world.”
In December 2020, Citymesh announced its new major shareholder Cegeka. Thanks to this strategic partnership, Citymesh is now able to further invest and expand its technology portfolio. Mitch de Geist: “Citymesh will focus on installing, monitoring and connecting sensors. Since then, Cegeka can work on the standardization, integration and visualization of data to optimize business processes.”
Stijn Bijnens, CEO of Cegeka:
“The expansion of the wireless product portfolio through 0G connectivity creates added value for Cegeka. It provides more possibilities for our IT solutions. We can collect data from customers through the Sigfox Internet of Things network. We are in data science and data intelligence. Experts in the field can then help our customers use this data in a smart way to make better decisions.”
Strengthen market position
Citymesh has provided IoT services and will further strengthen its market position through this IoT network.
“Now, we can provide all communication technologies from 0G to 5G,” Mitch De Geest said: “Our customers, from cities to enterprises, can rely on our all-in-one solutions, which are completely tailored to their budgets and needs. For example, cities can choose WiFi networks in public libraries and market squares. Noise sensors in smart city furniture and busy streets are used to map noise pollution. Companies may choose mobile-dedicated 5G networks that incorporate smart sensors. For every connection problem, we have a suitable solution.”
Common ambition
The ENGIE M2M team, existing customers and projects are incorporated into Citymesh. “Operational and business synergies are obvious. The ambition to become a trusted IoT consultant for customers and partners is always there. Through this acquisition, our customers will be able to acquire a wide range of technologies to expand the value proposition,” Dirk Indigne, CEO of ENGIE M2M explained.
Jeremy Prince, CEO of Sigfox: “For the past 6 years, we are very happy to work with ENGIE M2M in Belgium. They have done a great job deploying the network and accelerating the adoption of Sigfox in the country. We are very happy to see them enter the next phase with Citymesh. It It also shows that 0G is a perfect complement to other technologies, and in most cases we are “finishing” rather than “competing”! We warmly congratulate all parties and look forward to continuing cooperation as the large-scale Internet of Things becomes a reality.”
The acquisition was accompanied by the withdrawal of all shareholders. Neither party announced any financial details.
