Vodafone officially launched its mobile asset tracking and connected cabinets solutions in Qatar with its partner Zelitron Innovative IoT Applications. It conducted a tour to bring global expertise and power of international network, which is helping different organisations to take advantage of the Internet of Things (IoT) at Qatar’s ICT event QITCOM 2017, which took place at Qatar National Convention Centre QNCC yesterday.
Vodafone IoT tour brought together, experience in leading developments in the areas of Smart Transportation, Smart Security and Smart Business including Connected Cars, Fleet Management, Mobile Asset Tracking, Connected Cabinets, Smart Street Lighting and Public Safety.
“We are introducing IoT today. We’ve been working in this market for over 20 years. IoT will connect every device that uses internet. Vodafone is helping organisations of all sizes optimise, automate and innovate using IoT technologies, As per the statistics, in 2012 there were only 9 billion devices connected to IoT. This year the number will jump to 29 billion devices and it is expected by 2020, the figure will cross 50 billion. Recently we entered into an agreement with BMW cars internationally where the cars will be equipped with Vodafone IoT chip,”said Sheikh Hamad bin Abdullah Al Thani, Director of Enterprise Sales, Vodafone Qatar.
“This is a technology revolution that Vodafone is bringing to Qatar to support efforts to build a knowledge-based economy with a vibrant ICT sector that works as an enabler to Qatar National Vision 2030,” said Al Thani.
Mohammed Al Yami, Vodafone’s Director of External Affairs told The Peninsula, “Being connected means moving forward, this is a major tool used in smart life. The technologies we have introduced today will help everyone to move towards a better lifestyle. Today we are brining exciting 5G test. 5G will be the next generation of mobile technology, which the International Telecoms Union expects to be formally defined by 2020.”
“Vodafone is at forefront of making 5G a commercial reality with 5G technologies research underway to prepare its networks for a transition towards new mobile standard. 5G is expected to enhance speed and resilience of mobile networks, enabling Vodafone customers to remain connected as their usage of mobile data increases, but also expand connectivity for IoT deployment,” he added.
Dimitris Flokos, Zelitron’s Business Development Director explained, “With Vodafone’s Mobile Asset Tracking Solution, customers will know exact location of their assets with complete visibility and control. Mobile assets are critical to all businesses, whether they are delivery trucks or plant machinery, shipping containers or pallets. By monitoring the status of these assets, customer can ensure they are put to the best possible use.”
“The Connected Cabinets solution will help customers optimise performance of their retail cabinets such as drinks fridges and freezers, that can report their location, operating conditions and stock levels in real time,” he added.
The launch of Vodafone’s Fleet Management solution in January 2017 is a telematics service designed to track and perform logistics management for companies aiming to enhance productivity and tackle road safety issues.
Vodafone showcased its global provisioning of managed IoT connectivity for Philips Lighting. Every connected street lamp contains a Vodafone IoT Managed connectivity enabling authorities to monitor and manage lighting. The system enables engineers to check performance, identify faults and control the lighting remotely with benefits that include improving services for citizens, reducing operational costs, reducing energy consumption and improving safety.