Question 1

Which works out cheapest to run?

Accepted Answer

Sigfox is cheapest per device but only carries tiny, infrequent messages. LoRaWAN wins once you're at scale — after the gateway, there's no monthly fee per sensor. Cellular costs the most per device because every unit needs a data SIM, but you skip buying any infrastructure.

Question 2

What's best for a working farm or estate?

Accepted Answer

For fixed sensors on one holding, LoRaWAN is usually the smart pick: a single gateway blankets the land, sensors last years on one battery, and you pay nothing per device. Add cellular for anything that leaves the property or needs instant alerts.

Question 3

Can I run more than one technology together?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. A common rural setup uses LoRaWAN for the static sensors dotted around fields and buildings, and 4G/5G for trackers on machinery, trailers or stock that move off-site. Our platform pulls both onto one dashboard.

Question 4

Does a LoRaWAN gateway need planning permission?

Accepted Answer

In most cases no. A gateway is a small, low-power unit not unlike a broadband router or a satellite dish, and can usually be mounted on a barn, pole or roof without consent. Listed buildings and conservation areas are worth checking first.

Question 5

What if my gateway goes down?

Accepted Answer

If a LoRaWAN gateway fails, its sensors stop reporting until it's back up. For critical jobs on remote land we suggest a spare on the shelf, or putting your must-have alerts on cellular as well so they never go quiet.

Question 6

Do these work inside barns and steel buildings?

Accepted Answer

All three send indoors, but thick stone and metal cut the range. Cellular usually copes best inside a steel-frame shed, LoRaWAN next, with Sigfox the most affected. Mounting sensors near openings or higher up helps every time.

Question 7

How fast can I be up and running?

Accepted Answer

Cellular is instant — slot in a SIM and it reports. LoRaWAN needs the gateway set up first, around half an hour, after which sensors join on their own. Sigfox units start talking the moment they're powered on within coverage.

LoRaWAN vs Cellular — IoT Comms Guide