Eleven-x network expanding nationally to provide low-cost IoT networking capacity

Waterloo-based eleven-x, a self-described next-generation, carrier-grade network purpose-built for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, is expanding to establish a coast-to-coast network aimed at smart cities and industrial IoT usage. From its base in Waterloo where it established its first Low Power Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), eleven-x is expanding to Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, Toronto and Greater Toronto Area — urban regions that account for 60% of Canada’s population. Further expansion is planned for later this year. The network is low cost compared to traditional cellular competitors and has low power consumption with secure, scalable connectivity of up to 48 km — features considered critical to accommodate the growing use of mobile, wireless devices used to automate municipal systems (street lighting, water monitoring, vehicle tracking) and industries that are tapping into IoT to increase productivity and reduce costs. Eleven-x was created in 2014 by former Blackberry technical directors Fraser Gibbs and Ryan Hickey along with high-tech consultant and executive Dan Mathers. It currently has 25 staff and is planning to grow that number significantly in the coming months. The global IoT market is expected to reach US$1.7 trillion by 2020.