Pilotos IoT: Cobertura LoRaWAN

Since 2020, Extremadura’s CDTIC has been promoting a public LoRaWAN network to provide long-range IoT connectivity in rural areas without mobile coverage. This free infrastructure allows farmers, livestock breeders, cooperatives and research centres to connect sensors and develop innovative projects without high costs. The initial deployment of gateways has created a base platform for numerous pilot projects, extending digitalisation in rural areas.

Farm challenges

• High cost of digital technologies based on sensors with GPRS communications.
• Limited mobile coverage in rural and mountain areas.
• Low adoption due to lack of training and practical demonstrations.

Assistance / Boost program

European Innoace Project (Interreg SUDOE). Subsequent related programmes: SINERGEX, REFEX, TECH4E, Agroalnext, MoD3TAgro.

Innovative features of the initiative / solution

• Free-to-use public LoRaWAN infrastructure for the primary sector.
• Model based on strategic gateways that extend connectivity in areas without coverage.
• Collaborative ecosystem between administrations, research centres and the agricultural sector.
• Base platform for multiple IoT projects that reuse existing infrastructure.

Results obtanied

• 90,000 hectares of LoRaWAN coverage achieved in 2020 in rural areas without alternatives.
• Growth in the use of IoT sensors by companies and research centres.
• Validation of a shared network as a catalyst for new technology projects.
• Progressive integration into The Things Network (TTN).

Lessons learned

• Practical field demonstrations increase confidence and facilitate adoption.
• LoRaWAN offers a cost-effective and efficient solution in areas without GPRS or 4G.
• Public-private partnerships accelerate network expansion.
• An open infrastructure has a multiplier effect on regional innovation.

Attachments

• IoT Pilot Report – LoRaWAN Coverage

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