The Hodgman Liberal Government is embracing new technologies which have the potential to make life easier, attract new industries and create jobs.
The second phase of Tasmania’s LoRaWAN wireless internet pilot in Launceston is now being launched.
The LoRaWAN network enables computer sensors embedded in everyday objects, to interact with each other via the internet so they can work together to make life easier or improve how systems such as transportation networks work.
This innovative use of technology is changing the way we can interact with our cars, appliances, medical devices and more.
The internet platform is known as the the “Internet of Things” (IoT) as its usage is limited only by imagination.
It is a sign of the Government’s commitment to innovation that Launceston has the first city wide Internet of Things LoRaWAN network in Australia.
The project is covering approximately 40 per cent of Launceston at the moment and is using single channel LoRa network base stations.
Phase two of the LoRaWAN pilot project will involve upgrading the network using gateways manufactured by local company, Definium Technologies.
It will see the locally manufactured multi-channel gateways distributed throughout the region to new and existing sites providing full network coverage in Launceston and surrounds.
Over the coming two months new sites will go live increasing the footprint of the network and increasing accessibility.
The expansion of the network will provide more opportunities for local businesses and start-ups to take up the technology to enhance efficiency, and improve business processes, transportation monitoring, inventory control, and healthcare to name a few.
To encourage the next generation of Tasmanians to engage with new technologies the Government is also launching the LoRa Schools Challenge.
Over the next two months, students, groups or schools can enter one minute videos with an idea that could form a successful business or solve a common problem using the LoRaWAN network.
Winning schools will receive Internet of Things equipment and ongoing support.
The Hodgman Government is committed to supporting the information technology industry and competitions like this help to strengthen our next generation of IT professionals in Tasmania.
The citywide LoRaWAN roll out is a collaboration of Enterprize Tasmania, the University of Tasmania’s Sense-T, CSIRO’s Data61 and Definium Technologies.
For more information on the Launceston LoRaWAN network go to www.loratas.io/ or on the LoRa Schools Challenge, www.loratas.io/
More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson
More Media Releases from the Minister for Information Technology and Innovation