Ubiik acquires Mimomax, advancing SCADA for utilities

Ubiik, an emerging leader in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and private LTE solutions, has announced its acquisition of New Zealand-based Mimomax Wireless, a provider of mission-critical communication solutions for narrowband channels. The acquisition is set to bring Ubiik’s private LTE product line to Mimomax’s mission-critical electric and gas utility customer base.

The new combined entity aims to bring innovative wireless solutions to market, which could revolutionise communications for utilities. With a focus on provisioning cost-effective private LTE networks for smart grid connectivity alongside ultra-resilient narrowband radios for high criticality SCADA, voice backhaul and teleprotection, the combined entity will provide utility customers with a ‘one-stop shop’ product offer.

“We’re excited to join forces with Mimomax, a technology leader in high-throughput and high-reliability narrowband wireless communication systems for the utility sector,” said Tienhaw Peng, founder and CEO of Ubiik.

“In tandem, we’re poised to boost the performance, security and cost-effectiveness of critical electricity and gas networks. Our commitment to propelling efficiencies for utility and industrial customers remains steadfast as we continue to unveil groundbreaking products that offer affordable options for connectivity.”

Ubiik said its freeRAN and goRAN base stations mark a significant advancement, aiming to meet the demand from utilities for highly secure, cost-efficient, scalable 3GPP standardised technologies. Both products can be deployed alongside Mimomax’s SCADA networks and offer the ability to connect smart meters and IoT devices effectively for a fraction of the cost of deploying new private LTE infrastructure.

freeRAN operates in the unlicensed 915 MHz (ISM) band, removing the cost barrier of spectrum purchase for private LTE deployments. Operating in several licensed bands, goRAN will also be available in NB-IoT Band 103, providing the opportunity for existing US utility customers who have deployed Mimomax products in the 700 MHz Upper Block A to leverage their spectrum acquisition through adding goRAN as a retrofit.

“The joining of Ubiik and Mimomax will enable one of the most comprehensive product portfolios available — from the rigors of teleprotection and critical linking to the operational gains of field area networking, to meter infrastructure, line and gas sensors and even streetlights,” said Mimomax CEO Paul Reid. “This acquisition promotes a product line-up, and know-how, that will meet the full spectrum of utility communication requirements — be it mission or business critical, narrowband or LTE.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Natali_Mis