Vodafone Idea launches integrated IoT solution for automotive industry

Vi Business, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea (VIL), has further strengthened its IoT portfolio with the launch of Integrated IoT solutions for enterprises. With this industry first initiative, Vodafone Idea says it has become the only telecom company in India to offer a secure end-to-end IoT solution offering that comprises connectivity, hardware, network, application, analytics, security and support. The company says this marks its transition from being a Telco (telecom company) to TechCo (technology company).

The company says with the pandemic induced digital disruption, businesses are increasingly transforming to digital means, opting for Internet of Things (IoT) to bridge the need gap, adapt to market dynamics, and the evolving consumer needs.

It says that it has recognised the challenges faced by enterprises in conceptualising, designing and deploying IoT as a strategic driver, and with Vi Integrated IoT solutions, it will adopt a consulting-led engagement to support businesses in identifying their needs, design and develop the right IoT solution and implementation. It will also provide customers with a tailored solution to be integrated with best-in-class enterprise-grade IoT framework.

Vodafone Idea says it is the largest IoT player in India and with this launch, it has further strengthened its portfolio by providing a comprehensive range of IoT solutions across Industries for – Smart Mobility, Smart Infrastructure and Smart Utilities, on its 5G-ready network.

Under the Vi Integrated IoT Solutions portfolio – the Smart Mobility IoT solutions will offer OEMs, logistics and associated industries with connected vehicle and fleet management solutions, which is based on real-time vehicle and environmental parameters. As part of its offerings for the automotive industry Vodafone Idea is helping OEMs for driver behaviour analysis, intelligent transport system, usage-based insurance. The company claims that its IoT solutions power 9 out of 10 connected vehicles, and 90% of automotive and fleet tracking business in the country. It counts the likes of Tata Motors, Kia Motors India, Hyundai Motor India and Daimler among its key clinetelles in the automotive space. It also helps OEMs in providing advanced features such as real-time vehicle diagnostic, SOS function, stolen vehicle tracking feature (25-40 features being delivered to other OEMs).

Commenting on the launch, Ravinder Takkar, MD and CEO, Vodafone Idea said, “Vi is a market leader in IoT and well-positioned to capitalise on future growth driven by the government’s push towards ‘Digital India’ and ‘Smart Cities’. The launch of Vi Integrated IoT Solutions is a strategic step towards making Vi Business – an IoT ecosystem integrator for Indian enterprises, and positioning Vi to have an ecosystem play driving our transformation from a ‘Telco’ to ‘TechCo.”

Abhijit Kishore, chief enterprise business officer, Vodafone Idea said, “We are proud to be the first telecom company to offer end-to-end IoT offerings that address the marketplace needs of a reliable partner, scale, security and quick deployments. Vi Business will be the single point of contact for enterprises so that they can fully focus on accelerating their business with the assurance that the solutions are tailored as per their needs, managed professionally, and business outcomes are delivered. As a trusted partner, Vi Business is well placed to maximise the benefits of IoT enabled Industry 4.0 revolution in the country.”