South African offshoot, Vodacom, last year bought a 51% stake in local IoT start-up, IoT.nxt, and it is using this to boost the mobile operator’s activities in the sector. As part of the new range of services, it will provide IoT sensors and devices, create a data management platform, and offer ongoing professional services. This complete offering will ensure IoT is accessible to all businesses, including those that do not have specialist capabilities in-house. Markets that can most quickly benefit from IoT adoption include utilities, logistics, public transport, healthcare, manufacturing, and building management. IoT is perceived by many businesses to be complex and bespoke, but it doesn’t have to be.
The company’s UK operation said that investment in IoT in public sector buildings could reduce carbon emissions, reduce energy usage and save taxpayers up to £380 million a year. A report from Vodafone new technology could reduce carbon emissions by up to 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 a year and reduce overall energy usage in buildings by 15%. Vodafone claimed that 87% of UK early adopters said they have already seen a return-on-investment for IoT, while 76% suggested they are able to do things they couldn’t do before. IoT is helping businesses adapt to the digital economy, but complexity has been a major barrier to adoption.