Telecom operator Vodafone has framed strategies to tap the consumer IoT market by launching V by Vodafone IoT solution for consumers to connect home and electronics products to Vodafone’s global IoT network.
The number of consumer electronics and smart home devices capable of connection to mobile IoT networks in countries where in Vodafone operates will grow to more than 370 million by 2020 from around 50 million.
“The Internet of Things is already beginning to transform how businesses operate. Over the next decade, the expansion of IoT into consumer markets will bring about an equally dramatic shift in how people manage their daily lives, at home and in their leisure time,” said Vittorio Colao, Vodafone Group Chief Executive.
V by Vodafone includes a connected car dongle, a 4G security camera, a pet location and activity tracker and a bag location tracker.
Vodafone has already connected more than 59 million devices.
Vodafone said its consumer IoT strategy will build upon the company’s track record in developing and implementing enterprise IoT technologies.
Vodafone will be shipping IoT V-Sim by Vodafone SIM card as standard with IoT-enabled consumer electronics products. V-Sim by Vodafone will be also offered by third-party retailers next year;
V by Vodafone smartphone app provides customers with a single and intuitive overview of all IoT-enabled products registered to their account. Vodafone IoT customers scan QR code on the product packaging to register it and add the monthly fee to their existing Vodafone mobile account.
Vodafone in 2018 will launch a new online product marketplace open to IoT developers that will extend the product choice for customers.
The products will be available for purchase by current Vodafone mobile customers from today in selected Vodafone stores in Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK. They can also be purchased online at v.vodafone.com.
