Why A Private LoRa Network Was Selected Over A Public Telco?

The Syndicat Départemental d’Énergie et d’Équipement du Finistère (SDEF), a public entity responsible for overseeing the energy distribution for hundreds of councils across France, has recently chosen to deploy a private LoRa network instead of investing in a public telecommunications network to meet its smart city requirements. This decision reflects a growing trend among cities and public entities, particularly in France, where implementing such a network is not a straightforward task.

This development is led by Emmanuel Quéré, the Head of Digital & Data at SDEF. This decision by SDEF serves as an intriguing case study for those involved in urban development, smart city technologies, and public administration, especially in France where the unique regulatory and infrastructural challenges make such undertakings more complex. It’s particularly relevant for professionals and stakeholders in sectors like urban planning, municipal governance, smart technology, and public utility management, as well as for academics and students in these fields. This case study provides valuable insights into the strategic decision-making and implementation processes in the context of modern urban infrastructure development.