Vodafone Ireland launches "V by Vodafone", Bringing the Internet of Things to the masses.
Vodafone's move into the Internet of Things will accelerate the uptake of a technology with great potential.
Published 27/07/18
Vodafone, Ireland's largest mobile network, has launched a portfolio of IoT devices with "V by Vodafone". The devices mark the company's push into the Internet of Things, an ever-expanding global network of connected sensors. The devices take advantage of Vodafone's recently launched NB-IoT network, a network designed specifically to meet the requirements of these IoT devices.
The "V by Vodafone" range consists of three devices and a sim capable of connecting a plethora of devices to Vodafone's network. V-Bag aims to make lost bags a thing of the past, using GPS and WiFi to locate the bag's precise location. Costing €60, with a monthly subscription of €2.99, the tracker is compact and water resistant. The tracker is manufactured by Alcatel and boasts a battery life of up to four days. The battery life does seem poor, representing the issue of using power-hungry GPS. The location of the bag can be viewed using an interactive map found in the MOVETRACK app on your Android or iOS device. The device works in European countries where Vodafone has deployed an NB-IoT network.
V-Auto pledges to make your car journeys safer, tracking your driving habits and packing an emergency feature in the event of a crash. V-Auto plugs into the OBD port in your car, supporting most models manufactured after 2003. The device allows you to track your car using GPS, with a map accessible via the V-Auto app. If the device detects a collision, Vodafone will contact you to ensure that you are safe, and can notify the emergency services for you. Finally, V-Auto maps your trips which can be viewed later via the app. The device costs €80 with a monthly fee of €2.99, limited to coverage in Ireland only.
Probably the most intriguing device in the portfolio is V-Camera, coming in at €350 upfront and €4.99 monthly. This is essentially a portable security camera which uses Vodafone's 3G and 4G network to stream video to your phone. The advantage of this device over its competitors is the absence of WiFi, it works wherever Vodafone's network does. V-Camera is weatherproof and offers night vision. The device will notify you if it detects sound or movement, recording footage and storing it in the cloud for up to seven days. Arlo, the manufacturer, claims up to 30 days of battery life, a very impressive figure. Other features include two-way talk between your phone and the camera, HD video, and a wide-angle lens (135 degrees) so you can capture a wider field of view. This appears to be a very impressive device, and it will be interesting to see how Vodafone intends to market and sell it.
As mentioned already, Vodafone is also providing a V-Sim which gives you access to its NB-IoT network. This can be used in a range of different devices, and costs €10 with a monthly fee of €2.99. You can pay for the sim using your pay as you go credit or as an add-on to your bill pay plan if you are an existing Vodafone customer. The sim can be accessed via the My V by Vodafone app. This sim is a huge leap forward for the Internet of Things in Ireland, and it means more companies can develop IoT devices for consumers.
Vodafone will likely launch more devices soon, such as a pet tracker, as this is just an initial launch. The devices and sim can be purchased on Vodafone's website and in its stores throughout Ireland.
As mentioned already, Vodafone is also providing a V-Sim which gives you access to its NB-IoT network. This can be used in a range of different devices, and costs €10 with a monthly fee of €2.99. You can pay for the sim using your pay as you go credit or as an add-on to your bill pay plan if you are an existing Vodafone customer. The sim can be accessed via the My V by Vodafone app. This sim is a huge leap forward for the Internet of Things in Ireland, and it means more companies can develop IoT devices for consumers.
Vodafone will likely launch more devices soon, such as a pet tracker, as this is just an initial launch. The devices and sim can be purchased on Vodafone's website and in its stores throughout Ireland.
Bringing the Internet of Things to the masses
This launch is an important step for the company, unleashing the potential of the Internet of Things to everyone in Ireland. Vodafone has launched these products already in many European markets where it operates, opening up new revenue streams at a time when the telecoms market is beginning to plateau. However, while Vodafone is the first mobile network in Ireland to launch a dedicated network for the Internet of Things, it isn't without its competitors. Sigfox is another network built for the Internet of Things, operated by VT IoT in Ireland, and boasts some major advantages over NB-IoT such as greater reliability, lower costs and significantly reduced power consumption.
The key differentiator is Vodafone's decision to launch consumer-orientated IoT products, whereas other companies have chosen not to pursue products for this market. Vodafone is in a prime position to launch these devices, with a large retail presence in Ireland, and a sizeable customer base across mobile and fixed broadband. The company's NB-IoT network continues to expand, however, don't expect nationwide coverage. Vodafone hasn't been very clear about the coverage of its NB-IoT network.
This launch is vital to help the ecosystem of IoT devices expand. Vodafone is putting the technology into the hands of people so they can see just how transformative the Internet of Things will be. Regardless of the outcome, Vodafone is pushing the industry forward, and that will result in new use cases that will benefit all of us.
The key differentiator is Vodafone's decision to launch consumer-orientated IoT products, whereas other companies have chosen not to pursue products for this market. Vodafone is in a prime position to launch these devices, with a large retail presence in Ireland, and a sizeable customer base across mobile and fixed broadband. The company's NB-IoT network continues to expand, however, don't expect nationwide coverage. Vodafone hasn't been very clear about the coverage of its NB-IoT network.
This launch is vital to help the ecosystem of IoT devices expand. Vodafone is putting the technology into the hands of people so they can see just how transformative the Internet of Things will be. Regardless of the outcome, Vodafone is pushing the industry forward, and that will result in new use cases that will benefit all of us.
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