Partnership with Engi and Unabiz to participate in Singapore's 'Smart Nation' project

SIGFOX, a telecommunications service provider specializing in the Internet of Things (IoT), ENGIE, the world's largest power producer, and UnaBiz, an IoT network operator, announced today that they have formed a strategic partnership to establish the SIGFOX Global Network in Singapore.

These three partners expect high market potential for Sigfox's cost-effective and energy-efficient connectivity services as Singapore implements its 'Smart Nation' initiative. This 'nationwide' project encompasses infrastructure, policies, ecosystems, and capabilities that enable citizens across all sectors to benefit from a 'smart nation'.

These three companies expect to be able to provide services across Singapore starting in early 2017, as they can build networks simply and quickly because they require infrastructure with much less capacity than existing wireless communication networks.


UnaBiz, the exclusive operator of the Sigfox network in Singapore, is set to lead the overall business development and growth of the Sigfox IoT ecosystem across the country.

Meng Fai Tung, Deputy Director General for Information, Communications and Media at the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), said, “Singapore is the first country in Asia to establish a Sigfox network and serves as the Asian regional headquarters. This demonstrates that Singapore is strategically positioned as a major hub for global internet connectivity and a gateway providing business opportunities within Asia to high-growth companies.”

Furthermore, “Sigfox’s partnership with Engi and Unabiz to establish a global network in Singapore will be an important opportunity to strengthen the position of Singapore as a ‘smart nation’ and a major global player in the IoT sector.” “The collaborative projects of the three companies will not only significantly reinforce Singapore’s digital infrastructure but also serve as a catalyst for further innovating Singapore’s information and communications technology ecosystem,” he said.

Henri Bong, CEO of Unabiz, stated that IoT will have a fundamental impact on the way people live, work, and play. He said, “IoT will play a crucial role in enabling people to live with rich IT support,” adding, “We are very pleased to provide nationwide connectivity services as the exclusive operator of the Sigfox network in Singapore.” "We will make Singapore Asia's 'living lab' by leveraging Sigfox's global ecosystem, which connects major global component manufacturers, IT developers, and system integrators," he added.

Ludovic Le Moan, CEO of Sigfox, said, “Because it simplifies infrastructure deployment, ensures seamless connectivity, and flexibly adheres to standard technologies, we will be able to rapidly launch services in Singapore, paving the way for the use of various new applications across all commercial and industrial sectors and smart cities.”

CEO Le Moan continued, “IoT must eliminate the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) barriers that are delaying adoption by establishing a global, uninterrupted network infrastructure to securely collect, transmit, and share data. Based on the experience accumulated in 21 countries where our network is already established and over 7 million devices are registered, I am confident that through our proven solutions and partner ecosystem, we can enable the rapid and successful implementation of Singapore’s ‘Smart Nation’ initiative.”

Isabelle Kocher, CEO of Engi, stated, “We decided to invest in building an IoT network in Singapore because digital technology helps local companies improve energy efficiency, facility management, and customer-centric solutions. Furthermore, Singapore possesses a dynamic ecosystem of innovative enterprises and offers connectivity across Asia, making it an ideal environment to pioneer IoT solutions in the region.”

Engie acquired a minority stake in Sigfox in 2015 to establish Engie M2M, and throughout Belgium It has become the exclusive operator of the network providing Sigfox connectivity solutions. In addition, Engie is using Sigfox solutions for projects currently under development in other countries, such as remote monitoring of boilers, heat distribution, and smart lighting metering.

Sigfox plans to expand its network to more than 30 countries in 2016.