Insider’s Take: Outfront has entered into an agreement to generate revenue by installing Sigfox’s wireless equipment on Outfront billboards. We’re attached the press release below. Outdoor advertising companies are pursuing several initiatives to generate revenue from wireless operators. Vertical Bridge has an agreement to manage wireless equipment installations for Clear Channel and Skyway Towers is attempting to do the same thing for the Independent Billboard Operators. Insider is also aware of outdoor advertising companies in Alabama which generate revenue by letting TV stations rent space on the billboard to affix a weather camera.
May 10, 2016 — OUTFRONT Media Inc. (NYSE: OUT), one of the largest out-of-home media companies in the U.S., today announced that it has entered into an agreement with SIGFOX, the world’s leading provider of global communications service for Internet of Things (“IoT”), to install SIGFOX’s wireless equipment on OUTFRONT Media’s sites throughout the U.S. This approach is a part of the SIGFOX strategy to deploy its dedicated IoT network across 100 U.S. cities this year, bringing wireless connectivity to millions of low-powered devices globally. These devices support a wide variety of applications such as utility metering, asset tracking, agricultural sensor management and oil, and gas monitoring.
“This agreement marks our commitment to bring new innovative technologies and revenue to OUTFRONT’s business,” said OUTFRONT’s Andy Sriubas, Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning & Development. “This SIGFOX deployment is proof that our infrastructure can be an integral part of solutions that facilitate the rapid deployment of wireless networks while simultaneously providing connectivity to our boards.” Sriubas added: “As businesses adapt to the reality of today’s increasingly digital landscape, OUTFRONT remains focused on finding creative ways to help companies keep up with shifting consumer demands. Part of this strategy includes helping communities increase the effectiveness of their IoT devices, improve the overall quality of life for Americans and champion ideas that will drive technological transformation – in an increasingly interconnected world.”
“SIGFOX is pleased to work with OUTFRONT Media in the deployment of the SIGFOX global network across the U.S.,” says Allen Proithis, SIGFOX’s President, North America. “The OUTFRONT Media assets provide SIGFOX with a flexible and creative option to install antennas and base stations for an efficient and cost effective roll out of sites to provide basic network coverage, in addition to filling strategic gaps that provide additional capacity in specific geographies.” The agreement with SIGFOX is part of OUTFRONT’s partnership with Diamond Communications LLC to market and manage wireless attachment placement opportunities on its assets.
SIGFOX is the world’s leading provider of dedicated connectivity for Internet of Things. The company’s network complements existing high-bandwidth systems by providing simple, economical, energy-efficient two-way transmission of small quantities of data over long distances, thus lowering barriers to wide implementation of IoT solutions, and greatly extending the battery and service life of connected devices. Currently deployed or being rolled out in 18 countries and registering over 7 million devices in its network, SIGFOX is today the only IoT-dedicated connectivity solution commercially available that guarantees a high level of service and reliability on an international scale. Corporate headquarters are in France, and the company has offices in Boston, San Francisco, Madrid, Munich and Singapore. www.sigfox.com
