The LoRa Alliance, the global association of companies backing the open LoRaWAN standard for the internet of things (IoT) low-power wide-area networks (LPWANs), has announced the accreditation of DEKRA’s Atibaia, Brazil, facility as a LoRa Alliance Authorised Test Lab (ATL). This is the first ATL in Latin and South America.
Founded in 1925 to ensure road safety thanks to vehicle inspection, today DEKRA is the world’s largest independent non-listed expert organisation in the testing, inspection and certification sector.
The LoRa Alliance says that the authorisation of this facility near São Paulo as a new ATL for LoRaWAN end devices demonstrates the strong growth of LoRaWAN in Latin America and South America.
Having a local ATL means that members no longer need to ship products outside of the continent, offering time and cost savings when seeking LoRaWAN certification. The LoRa Alliance adds that this move will support the area’s rapidly growing membership and is intended to promote increased device manufacturing in the region.
“DEKRA’s designation as the first LoRa Alliance authorised test lab in South and Latin America marks a significant step forward in enabling global market access for LoRaWAN devices. Our commitment to fostering a safe and secure worldwide adoption of LoRaWAN technology, while supporting local and international customers, is now strengthened by our lab in Brazil, which will continue growing with testing and certification services in the region,” says Juan Carlos Soler, VP of Business Lines of Digital & Product Solutions at DEKRA.
Explaining DEKRA’s work, he adds: “Backed by our extensive testing and certification expertise, we stand ready to assist customers in obtaining LoRaWAN Certification and related electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), radiofrequency (RF) and product safety testing to ensure optimal device performance across diverse network environments.”
This is one of a number of recent LoRa Alliance announcements that also include the launch of the LoRaWAN Web Certification System (LWCS), which now automates the certification process, and the introduction of LoRa Alliance member self-testing of end devices.