LoRa Alliance extends LoRaWAN NetID initiative to support global roaming

The plan is that greater access to NetID allocations will expand LoRaWAN ecosystem

The LoRa Alliance announced it has enhanced and expanded its LoRaWAN NetID program. The changes will increase access to NetID licences for LoRa Alliance members and non-members alike, which will in turn accelerate global roaming deployments.

The Alliance is the global association of companies that supports the LoRaWAN standard for low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs) for IoT.

How it works

NetID is a 24-bit network identifier assigned to LoRaWAN networks by the LoRa Alliance so that network traffic is recognised. The IDs are essential to roaming because devices that send or receive traffic beyond their home network need an unique identifier that can be identied everywhere in the world and enables roaming partners to recognise each other’s traffic.
 
LoRa Alliance members will continue to receive NetIDs as part of their membership, based on their membership level. The new programme will offer members who want supplemental NetIDs to license an unlimited number of Type 7 NetIDs for a management fee.

Companies that are not members of the LoRa Alliance can buy and license a limited number of Type 7 NetIDs. Companies that need more that this unspecified limit be encouraged to join the LoRa Alliance.

New business opps

Donna Moore, CEO and Chair of the LoRa Alliance (pictured) comments, “Extending NetID availability allows the entire IoT LPWAN market to reap the benefits of LoRaWAN. This will help companies address new application and facilitate stronger connections with LoRa Alliance members, driving new business opportunities.

“At the same time, it provides existing members with an easier path to scaling their own LoRaWAN operations, which in turn drives more partnerships via roaming, more innovation and additional revenue.”