In a move that could drive up the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) in South Africa, telecommunications giant Vodacom has introduced a suite of products that interconnect consumers’ compatible home and leisure IoT devices.
Connected to Vodacom’s global IoT network using a dedicated IoT ‘V-Sim’ and smartphone application, ‘V by Vodacom’ will enable consumers to connect and monitor their home, children, pets and possessions.
“IoT is exciting for Africa because of its potential to tackle many of the challenges faced on the continent and the socioeconomic benefits it brings,” says Vodacom consumer IoT executive head Saloshni Muthal.
The V range of consumer IoT propositions will enhance customers’ connected lives and enable meaningful change, she adds.
The products offer consumers peace of mind and convenience, but could also open the door to many future applications of IoT, including energy and utility management, and extend to wearables with notification alerts.
The ‘V by Vodacom’ range includes the V-Pet tracker, V-Kids Watch tracker, V-bag tracker and a V-Home Safety starter kit with a multipurpose sensor, siren, high-definition camera and a mobile Wi-Fi hub.
“The cellular IoT products come with worry-fee connectivity through the V-Sim, GPS device tracking, notification alerts when your pets, kids or possessions move outside of a virtual fenced area and a V-Home monitoring service as part of the V-Home Safety Kit,” says Muthal.
The dedicated consumer IoT Sim, or V-Sim, is provided with all cellular ‘V by Vodacom’ devices or as Sim-only subscriptions.
The ‘V by Vodafone’ smartphone app provides customers with a single, intuitive overview of V by Vodacom products and Sim-only IoT subscriptions registered to their account.