To enable the Internet of Things, Launceston was the first to see LoRa technology switched on in the city. 

Called LoRaTAS, it 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 actually work, such as road or train networks, medical devices or machine control.

On Wednesday the network was officially launched at Enterprize in Launceston.

Enterprize chief executive Gary McDarby said the Internet of Things would digitize the city and enable trackers and sensors to be more common in everyday life.

“You can do real-time tracking of animals, for example, real-time tracking of traffic, have sensors predicting fire, you can have sensors on water levels – look at environmental monitoring,” he said.

“These new technologies open-up all kinds of amazing, real-time sensing systems.”

The gateway, which sits only several metres tall, costs about $2000.

“All it requires is a power source, it’s on a 4G network and it can connect to satellite,” Mr McDarby said. 

“It’s an incredible invention and we’re making them here in Tasmania.” 

Seven gateways have already been installed across the Launceston CBD and seven more will be installed in the coming weeks to cover the George Town, West Tamar and the Meander Valley areas.

With a $100,000 grant from the state government, stakeholders took about one year to design and build the LoRaTAS network.

Innovation Minister Michael Ferguson said the invention would encourage further growth in the IT sector and boost job prospects for skilled Tasmanians.

“This internationally significant achievement firmly establishes Launceston’s credentials for supporting and developing digital innovation,” he said.