Vodacom

by AKANI CHAUKE
JOHANNESBURG – VODACOM, South Africa’s largest mobile network operator has entered the consumer Internet of Things (IoT) market with the introduction of a range of devices allowing customers to connect and monitor their homes, children, pets and possessions.

The “V by Vodacom” range of devices include 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 (HD) camera and a mobile Wi-Fi hub.

The cellular IoT products come with connectivity via the V-Sim, global positioning system (GPS) device tracking, notification alerts a V-Home monitoring service.

Saloshni Muthal, Executive Head of Consumer IoT at Vodacom, said the risks to the safety and security of homes and family members was something people worried about daily.

“We want to ensure that with V by Vodacom, South Africa’s leading mobile network operator is able to empower customers to keep track of the things they love. In this way, Vodacom remains committed to transforming the lives of all citizens via the application of new and innovative technologies.”

Muthal said the IoT was exciting for Africa because of its potential to tackle many of the challenges the continent faced and the socio-economic benefits it brought.

“For us at Vodacom, the V range of consumer IoT propositions both now and in the future will help customers to live a better connected life. We at Vodacom truly believe that IoT can be leveraged to create meaningful change.”

Payment methods include a monthly subscription fee which is added to the monthly bill of existing Vodacom post-paid customers and is deducted from the airtime wallet from existing Vodacom prepaid customers.

Non-Vodacom customers will be able to use their credit for subscription payments in the near future.

– CAJ News