Vodafone has launched an internet of things (IoT) platform which enables consumers to connect their electronic products to telecoms company’s global IoT network.

‘V by Vodafone’ has been created for consumers to connect and manage their IoT devices, and arrives with a range of dedicated products including a connected car dongle, a 4G security camera, a pet location and activity tracker, and a bag location tracker.

“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, chief executive of the Vodafone Group.

V by Vodafone comprises of a dedicated IoT ‘V-Sim’, which is shipped with all Vodafone’s IoT-enabled products and will be offered by third-party retailers next year; a V by Vodafone smartphone app, providing an overview of all products in one place; a straight-out-of-the-box connection to Vodafone’s IoT network; a fixed monthly price plan for each product; and an online product marketplace open to IoT developers from 2018.

On the product side, Vodafone is introducing ‘V-Auto’, which offers the same technology as connected cars through a dongle; ‘V-Camera’, a HD mobile security camera; ‘V-Pet’, a location and activity tracker for dogs and cats; and ‘V-Bag’, a tracker to reduce the risk of theft or loss of bags.

“‘V by Vodafone’ makes it simple to connect a wide range of IoT-enabled devices, helping customers keep everyone and everything that matters to them safe and secure,” said Colao. “We look forward to applying our world-leading expertise in IoT to help consumers make the most of the next phase of the global digital revolution.”

V by Vodafone is available in 32 countries across Europe, including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, and more. Vodafone’s IoT products are available for current Vodafone mobile customers online and at selected stores in the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

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