Edinburgh’s PureLiFi agrees deal to ‘revolutionise’ delivery of gigabit broadband with zero drilling
“Together, we are providing a solution that is secure, unjammable, reliable and incredibly simple for the end-user to install” – Ron Schaeffer, CEO
Edinburgh-based tech pioneer PureLiFi has sealed a “landmark” deal that could help deliver gigabit broadband indoors without the need for drilling holes or cabling.
The firm, which has spent the past decade or so developing and perfecting its light-based alternative to wi-fi, has agreed a partnership with network equipment maker Askey to “revolutionise” the fixed wireless access (FWA) market.
Askey will pioneer the demonstration of a fully integrated “all-in-one” product that combines a high-performance 5G modem and the Scottish company’s through-window bridging technology in what is being described as a “streamlined self-installable solution”.
The two firms are working to solve the industry’s “last-metre” challenge - delivering high-speed, gigabit broadband indoors without the need for drilling holes, cabling or professional installations.
The Askey system is designed to allow users in town, suburban and rural environments to access high-speed broadband regardless of modern building materials that block 5G signals.
Ron Schaeffer, chief executive of PureLiFi, said: “This partnership builds on PureLiFi’s pioneering position as innovators in the LiFi space and Askey’s excellence in 5G consumer premises equipment.
“Our proprietary wireless bridging technology is the key to unlocking the full potential of 5G FWA indoors. Together, we are providing a solution that is secure, unjammable, reliable and incredibly simple for the end-user to install. We are proud to work with Askey to make better broadband connectivity a reality through the 5G spectrum with help from LiFi.”
PureLiFi was founded by “father of LiFi” Professor Harald Haas and Dr Mostafa Afgani in 2012 as a spin-out from the University of Edinburgh. Since then a timeline of innovation has included the development of prototype and commercial products, with the US defence sector buying into the firm’s secure technology.
A fundraising move in July 2022 provided £10 million of firepower from the Scottish National Investment Bank, allowing the business to commence on its next phase of scaling up.
The firm sees a future where LiFi - using light-emitting diodes (LEDs), infrared and the higher reaches of the electromagnetic spectrum - can sit alongside and complement wireless technologies utilising lower-frequency radio waves, such as wi-fi, 4G, 5G and beyond.
The company has also been developing a “link” product that can get around a problem associated with many modern buildings that have silver in the glass and material in the walls that can help with heating and cooling but also prevent RF passing through.
Robert Lin, chief executive of Askey, said: “Askey is committed to staying at the cutting edge of connectivity by working with global innovators like PureLiFi.
“We’ve been working for five years to solve the problem of bringing outdoor FWA signals indoors. PureLiFi’s LiFi bridge is the answer.
“Our combined system will enable carriers to get users connected cost-effectively and quickly while improving the overall 5G experience,” he added. “By being the first to demonstrate ‘all-in-one’ FWA CPE [customer premises equipment] with an integrated LiFi bridge, we will disrupt the FWA business model.”
Based in Edinburgh, PureLiFi has customers and partners worldwide.
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